Methods and apparatus for controlling assets

ABSTRACT

Methods and apparatus for controlling assets relating to the based upon creation and redemption of Compound Redeemable Instruments. Apparatus include server executing executable software to designate specific assets for joint redemption and allocating a predetermined number of the specified assets for distribution based upon a joint redemption. Joint redemption may include redemption of two disparate classes of financial instruments.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to the U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 15/130,976, filed on Apr. 16, 2016, entitled Methods and Apparatus for Controlling Assets, as a Continuation in Part Application and entitled Compound Redemption Processor the contents of which are relied upon and incorporated by reference, which is a Continuation Application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/848,147, U.S. Pat. No. 8,417,605, issued Apr. 9, 2013, which claims priority to Provisional Application 61/230,731 filed on Aug. 2, 2009 entitled Compound Redeemable Instrument Processor.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to systems and methods for controlling assets. Particular embodiments relate to automated apparatus and integrated software in logical communication and distributed over different geospatial areas and operative to track availability of, and commitments to provide, assets of at least two different classes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is a generally known practice for assets to be committed to fulfill obligations of current owners to investors or other entities who may have rights to receive the assets. It is a constant challenge to ascertain the availability of assets to fulfill obligations entered into on a dynamic basis. Obligations may be based upon, for example, investment considerations may also include investment characteristics, such as: liquidity, transparency, price, growth potential, income potential, regulatory considerations, tax considerations, accounting considerations, and so on, is also well known. While investor needs differ, many share a goal of maximizing a return for a given level of risk.

Liquidity of an investment instrument is also an important factor to many investors, particularly as liquidity relates to the evaluation of risk. Evaluation of risk is often tied to the availability of assets backing up such risk. Investments that can be more readily converted to cash, or other desirable instruments, quickly and without discount; are perceived to be less risky than similar less-liquid instruments.

Transparency of availability of assets tied to an investment instrument is another important factor to many investors as it relates to the evaluation of risk. Investments can be understood more easily based upon an Issuer being open about a business associated with a particular investment and assets associated with the investment. An investment with open details related to the associated business may be perceived to be less risky than similar less transparent instruments. As a result, investors seeking strategies to manage risk and return usually prefer instruments that are more easily understood as compared to instruments that are not. Issuers may therefore seek to attract investor capital by providing Financial Instruments that deliver an appealing package of risk and return.

Providing liquidity and transparency through exchange listing and public reporting enhances an issuance but may be impractical for reasons including the burdens and costs of public registration, offering and exchange listing.

While many large companies have the financial strength to register publicly and list their securities, many other companies including smaller Issuers and special purpose companies, special purpose vehicles and investment vehicles do not. In addition, some larger companies, operating companies and investment entities; that may or may not publicly register and list their securities; may still have limited liquidity and be less attractive to investors either because their investment instruments are not interesting to investors or well understood in the marketplace.

The importance of liquidity and transparency has traditionally been particularly apparent during times of financial crises; such as when securities of otherwise attractive private structured financings including mortgage-backed securities and asset-backed securities, traded at dramatic discounts to their net asset value because of a lack of liquidity and poor transparency, which magnified a perceived risk of such instruments during a time of market stress. Many investors in such securities were required to sell, and realized significant losses attributable in part to an inability to access trapped value, which in turn is often tied to availability of underlying assets.

It is worth noting that even otherwise liquid and transparent investment instruments may trade at significant discounts to a net asset value of underlying assets. One example of instruments trading at significant discounts includes a closed-end fund marketplace where fully transparent closed-end funds, which are listed on major exchanges, often trade at a discount to net asset value.

Other prior art approaches and products exist as well; however, there remains a need in the marketplace for improved liquidity and transparency through the ability to redeem multiple classes of investment instruments. The preceding description is not to be construed as an admission that any of the description is prior art relative to the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the present invention, methods and apparatus are presented to manage assets in support of a Compound Redeemable Instrument System that allows for redeeming two or more Compound Redeemable Instruments of different classes in exchange for one or more Exchangeable Assets of a specified class or classes where such Exchangeable Assets may include a specified class or classes of Ordinary Redeemable Instruments. The apparatus generally includes a processor in logical communication with a storage device and executable software stored on the storage device. The processor and software are functional to manifest the asset management concepts referenced herein. According to the present invention, assets are managed to fulfill obligations related to the creation of two or more Compound Redeemable Instruments of different classes including tracking the deposit of Exchangeable Assets of a specified class or classes into a holding vehicle.

A Compound Redemption Processor may also be used to track the obtaining to dispensing of Assets based upon obligations related to the creation of Compound Redeemable Instruments and track the direct issuance for cash and the conversion of instruments which are not Compound Redeemable Instruments into Compound Redeemable Instruments.

Obligations for Assets may be related to Compound Redeemable Instruments issued by a Compound Redeemable Instrument Issuer or obligations from a secondary market transaction. In some embodiments, Compound Redeemable Instruments may be publicly listed and assets tracked according to public listing.. Compound Redeemable Instruments have value based on their terms as individual instruments and by virtue of their ability to be redeemed using the Compound Redemption Processor for Exchangeable Assets in a process referred to herein as Compound Redemption.

Obligations for Assets from may result from Compound Redeemable Instruments issued directly by a Compound Redeemable Instrument Issuer and backed by specific Asset obligations. The Compound Redeemable Instruments may be structured as any class of Financial Instrument including equity, obligation, hybrid, ordinary redeemable or otherwise. Compound Redeemable Instruments may also comprise certificates, receipts, titles or rights to an account which do not constitute an interest in the Issuers balance sheet. Such significant structuring flexibility enables the present invention to create custom risk and return profiles with improved access to various tax, regulatory and accounting treatments. These factors may be important to investors and represent an advantage compared to other financial products.

Apparatus included in a Compound Redemption Processor used to track assets may incorporate computer hardware, such as for example, a computer server connected to a distributed network for transmitting and receiving data and stored protocol of processing logic to properly specify a minimum number of Compound Redeemable Instruments redeeming in exchange for Exchangeable Assets in an instance of Compound Redemption.

In some embodiments, a Compound Redemption Processor is capable of managing individual and multiple instances of Compound Redemption simultaneously or in sequence. A Compound Redemption Processor may organize and track instruments in a database as controlled by the processing logic of the computer system, to insure proper administration of the Compound Redeemable Instruments during their term. The proper implementation and management of the Compound Redemption Processor may affect pricing efficiency and marketability of Compound Redeemable Instruments.

One part of some embodiments of a Compound Redemption Processor is a data processing system that conveys information about Exchangeable Assets, including valuation information, to the marketplace making such information available in essentially real time, or at least without any significant artificial delays built in.

The data processing system and method for executing trades provides that redeeming, creating, trading, managing and reporting of Compound Redeemable Instruments becomes seamless, automatic and efficient. A linked database in accordance with a stored protocol permits commercial transactions of Compound Redeemable Instruments enabling the distribution and trading of Compound Redeemable Instruments. The Compound Redeemable Instruments are exchanged in the market either via conventional brokerage services or directly through a trading system defined here, allowing a broad spectrum of investor access to this instrument with improved investment and risk management capabilities compared to other Financial Instruments.

In one aspect of some embodiments of the present invention, a Compound Redemption Processor provides for the redemption of two or more classes of Compound Redeemable Instruments, or their cash equivalent, in exchange for the withdrawal of Exchangeable Assets, or their cash equivalent, on an ongoing basis with enhanced speed, efficiency and control. In various embodiments, ongoing basis may refer to more than one of a single instance or transaction or multiple instances or transactions.

In another aspect of the present invention the Compound Redemption Processor provides for the creation of Compound Redeemable Instruments on an ongoing basis with enhanced speed, efficiency and control, including means for establishing or identifying the Issuer, means for determining the terms of Compound Redeemable Instruments, and means for determining Exchangeable Assets.

In another aspect of the present invention the Compound Redemption Processor provides for the issuance of Compound Redeemable Instruments in exchange for the deposit of Exchangeable Assets or equivalent value on an ongoing basis with enhanced speed, efficiency, and control.

In another aspect of the present invention the Compound Redemption Processor provides for the conversion of an Issuer's existing instruments into Compound Redeemable Instruments on an ongoing basis with enhanced speed, efficiency, and control.

In still another aspect of the present invention, the Compound Redemption Processor provides for the distribution, management and support of Compound Redeemable Instruments and Exchangeable Assets on an ongoing basis. Distribution, management and support may be on a periodic basis or on demand. Automated apparatus may provide enhanced speed, efficiency and control, including without limitation: apparatus for receiving, managing and distributing Exchangeable Assets; other collateral, apparatus for receiving input from the capital markets; apparatus for determining and maintaining rates of exchange between Compound Redeemable Instruments and Exchangeable Assets; and apparatus for engaging and maintaining accounts associated with a Depositor.

In addition, automated apparatus may include executable code and associated processor for managing terms associated with a Compound Redeemable Instrument, including without limitation: making payments of Compound Redeemable Instruments; extinguishing Compound Redeemable Instruments; providing reporting information for Issuers and to customers for administrative and record keeping purposes including tax reporting; and liquidating an Issuer of Compound Redeemable Instruments.

In accordance with the varying aspects of the present invention, a Compound Redeemable Instrument may be available as a separate trading security. In an associated aspect, the Compound Redemption Processor provides trading support for Compound Redeemable Instruments. Trading support may include communicating to investors and potential investors' relevant information to evaluate transactions such as information as to the terms of Compound Redeemable Instruments and Exchangeable Assets and as to the composition of Instrument Sets, Instrument Units, Asset Sets and Asset Units, among others.

The present invention accordingly includes features of construction, combination of elements and arrangement of parts that will be exemplified in the following detailed disclosure, and the scope of the invention will be indicated in the claims. Other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the description, the drawings and the claims.

The foregoing specific aspects and advantages of the present invention are illustrative of those which can be achieved by the present invention and are not intended to be exhaustive or limiting of the possible advantages that can be realized. Thus, the aspects and advantages of this invention will be apparent from the description herein or can be learned from practicing the invention both as embodied herein or as modified in view of any variations that may be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the present invention resides in the novel parts, constructions, arrangements, combinations and improvements herein shown and described. The present invention has several important technical advantages. In various embodiments it may have none, some, or all of these technical advantages.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments and other aspects of the invention are best understood with reference to the detailed disclosure and the following figures, which are meant to illustrate and not limit the invention, and in which:

FIG. 1A illustrates a diagram depicting prior art with an Issuer with fungible assets grouped in classes, an Issuer, and fungible instruments grouped in classes.

FIG. 1B illustrates a block diagram depicting some exemplary embodiments of the present invention including a single instance of Compound Redemption.

FIG. 1C illustrates two contracts jointly redeeming for an Ordinary Redeemable Instrument which is an exchange traded fund share.

FIG. 1D illustrates one Issuer issuing CRIs and a different Issuer issuing ORIs and a single Issuer issuing both CRIs and ORIs.

FIG. 2 illustrates one instance of the Compound Redemption of instruments according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates some embodiments of an Issuer engaging in Redemption Instances.

FIG. 4 illustrates a flow chart with some exemplary methods of redeeming Compound Redeemable Instruments in exchange for Exchangeable Assets.

FIG. 5 illustrates steps that may be included, in some embodiments relating to acquisition, ownership and disposition of Compound Redeemable Instruments.

FIG. 5A illustrates a block diagram of alternative embodiments of the present invention including a secondary market.

FIG. 6 depicts a flow chart illustrating some methods of creating, redeeming, managing, administering, and extinguishing Compound Redeemable Instruments according to some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 7A illustrates method steps that can be included in some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 7B illustrates some additional method steps that may be implemented in some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 8 illustrates a block diagram of a components included in some embodiments the invention.

FIG. 9 illustrates a block diagram of CPU apparatus included in some embodiments the Present invention.

FIG. 10 illustrates exemplary steps related to an instance generator according to some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 11 illustrates exemplary steps related to a Processor Manager according to some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 12 illustrates a block diagram of logic that may be utilized by apparatus implementing some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 13 illustrates an exemplary spreadsheet including computation of the ratio and numbers of Compound Redeemable Instruments and Exchangeable Assets in Compound Redemption according to some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 14 illustrates a table with examples of Compound Redeemable Instruments and corresponding Exchangeable Assets, including Ordinary Redeemable Instruments.

FIG. 15 illustrates an example of a derivative with an illiquid reference.

FIG. 15A illustrates Exchangeable Assets as Ordinary Redeemable Instruments using one or more Issuers.

FIG. 16 illustrates an example of a synthetic short position.

FIG. 17 illustrates an example of a collateralized bond obligation.

FIG. 18 illustrates an example of a securitized prime brokerage.

FIG. 19 illustrates an example of an operating Issuer.

FIG. 20 illustrates apparatus that may be used to implement some embodiments of the present invention.

It should be understood by one skilled in the art that the embodiments depicted in the drawings are illustrative and variations of those shown as well as other embodiments described herein may be envisioned and practiced within the scope of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Accordingly, the present invention provides novel apparatus and methods related to the issuance and redemption of Compound Redeemable Instruments from disparate specified financial classes, such as, for example equity classes, debt classes, classes of contracts, and other classes of Financial Instruments. The Compound Redeemable Instruments are jointly redeemable in exchange for specified assets. In some embodiments, issuance and redemption of the Compound Redeemable Instruments takes place on an ongoing basis.

Generally, a Compound Redeemable Instrument is a Financial Instrument that is jointly redeemable with other Issuer instruments belonging to different classes. Instruments of the Issuer may be otherwise difficult to efficiently exchange for value. According to the present invention, specified Compound Redeemable Instruments are redeemable for specified assets according to an instance of Compound Redemption. The relative value of the instruments of different classes in an instance of Compound Redemption is determined by market demand and the aggregate value of such instruments is efficiently determined by the value of the specified assets for which they can be exchanged. Multiple types of instruments may be issued as, or transformed into, a Compound Redeemable Instrument.

The use of Compound Redeemable Instruments allows for the creation of one or both of new and improved Financial Instruments which are redeemable in instances of Compound Redemption for Exchangeable Assets. The instruments may include derivatives, securitizations and corporate financings. The new Financial Instruments will be capable of increased transparency over existing Financial Instruments and increased liquidity.

As a result of the methods and apparatus disclosed, investors, dealers and Issuers will benefit from improved liquidity and transparency; arbitrage pricing efficiency; new methods and apparatus for managing risk and return; simplicity of Financial Instrument make up; efficiency in trading; new, improved special purpose vehicles; a revitalization of collateralized businesses; derivatives on illiquid underlyings; securitized prime brokerage; synthetic stock lending; increased trading opportunities; corporate financing opportunities; new corporate redeemables; issuance of more redeemables; revitalization of existing instruments; securitization of inventory and embedded margins, amongst other benefits.

Compound Redeemable Instruments can be traded via the apparatus and methods described herein using U.S., non U.S. and global, public and private markets, exchanges, services and platforms, among others, including examples such as the New York Stock Exchange, NASDAQ, the London Stock Exchange, the Cayman Islands Stock Exchange, Bloomberg® and Reuters® pages, the NASDAQ PORTAL Alliance system, and private dealer markets, among others.

The present invention provides for methods and automated apparatus for providing an empirical model of a set of assets, including defining with an automated processor an asset set including a quantification of multiple assets; associating correlated quantities of the multiple assets in the asset set with disparate Compound Redeemable obligations; reducing the quantification of multiple assets in the asset set based upon a change in the Compound Redeemable obligations; creating a hypothetical model of the association of correlated quantities of the multiple assets in the asset set with disparate Compound Redeemable obligations; and calculating coefficients for the hypothetical model according to an automated analysis of assets and obligations.

In another aspect, the present invention includes: transmitting via a digital communications network, data descriptive of a set of Compound Redeemable Obligations associated with Compound Redeemable Instruments, wherein the Compound Redeemable Instruments include multiple disparate classes of Financial Instruments; and grouping two or more of the Compound Redeemable Instruments including multiple disparate classes into an Instrument Set including the Compound Redeemable Instruments.

In another aspect, the present invention includes transmitting via the digital communications network data descriptive of quantifiable assets; grouping one or more of the quantifiable assets into an Asset Set including Exchangeable Assets; associating the Instrument Set with the Asset Set; and transmitting a market valuation including terms of redemption for Instrument Sets in exchange for Asset Sets.

In another aspect, the present invention includes transmitting a price for the Instrument Set, wherein the price includes an amount of a currency that may be exchanged for the Instrument Set.

In another aspect, the present invention includes tracking and transmitting a price for the Asset Set, wherein the price includes an amount of currency to exchange per Asset Set.

In another aspect, the present invention includes the assets including the Asset Set enhance the liquidity of the Financial Instruments including the Instrument Set.

In another aspect, the present invention includes an Instrument Set that includes at least one Financial Instrument that is equity and at least one other Financial Instrument, wherein the at least one Financial Instrument that is equity and at least one other Financial Instrument are jointly redeemable for a predetermined quantity of one or more specified Exchangeable Assets including the Asset Set.

In another aspect, the present invention includes an Financial Instrument that is equity includes a unit of equity and the at least one other Financial Instrument includes a unit of equity of a different class.

In another aspect, the present invention includes an Instrument Set includes at least one Financial Instrument that is not equity and at least one other Financial Instrument, wherein the at least one Financial Instrument that is not equity and at the least one other Financial Instrument are jointly redeemable for a predetermined quantity of one or more specified Exchangeable Assets including the Asset Set.

In another aspect, the present invention includes Exchangeable Assets with one or more of: cash or currency equivalents; more assets of other than cash or currency equivalents; one or more commodity items; Ordinary Redeemable Instruments include one or more Financial Instruments that are not traded on an exchange.

In another aspect, the Financial Instruments may be issued by a publicly registered open end fund or a mutual fund or issued by a special purpose vehicle or investment fund.

Definitions

As used herein, the following terms shall be associated with the specified definitions:

“Asset Unit” as used herein, refers to a relative number of Exchangeable Assets exchangeable in an instance of Compound Redemption.

“Asset Set” used herein, refers to an absolute number of Exchangeable Assets exchangeable in an instance of Compound Redemption.

“Class” as used herein refers to a category of financial instruments disparate from other categories of financial instruments based on characteristics including but not limited to: debt characteristics, equity characteristics, preferred characteristics, derivative characteristics, hybrid characteristics, optionality, currency of denomination, issuer, documentation, collateralization, form, legal form, certificated form, recorded form, divisibility, tax treatment, regulatory treatment, rights, terms, liquidity, payments, payoff, credit rating, maturity, seniority, subordination, voting rights, degree of control, convertibility, exchangeability, put rights, call-ability, listing or registration, among others.

“Compound Redeemable Instrument” as used herein and sometimes referred to as a “CRI” or multiple “CRIs” includes an Issuer Financial Instrument jointly redeemable with one or more other Financial Instruments in exchange for one or more predefined Exchangeable Assets of one or more classes, wherein the Issuer Financial Instrument and the one or more other Financial Instruments are of disparate classes. In the case of disparate Issuers, disparate Issuers may be determinative of disparate classes.

“Compound Redeemable Obligations” as used herein refers to an obligation to provide one more defined Assets as a result of one or both of: a) an issuance of a Compound Redeemable Instrument; and b) a Compound Redemption.

“Compound Redemption” as used herein and sometimes referred to as a “CR” or multiple “CRs” or “Co-Redemption” or multiple “Co-Redemptions” and refers to the predefined joint redemption of independent CRIs of two or more disparate classes in exchange for one or more Exchangeable Assets.

“Compound Redemption Processor” as used herein is an automated computer processor in logical communication with a digital storage. The digital storage stores executable code which is operative with the processor to process some or all aspects of a Compound Redemption.

“Exchange Traded Note” as used herein, refers to an exchange-traded note (ETN) such as an exchange traded, equity-linked, senior, unsecured, unsubordinated obligation issued by a corporation. ETNs have a maturity date and are backed by the credit of the Issuer.

“Exchange Traded Fund” and “ETF” as used herein, refers to an Issuer of exchange-traded securities that can be conventionally redeemed for a pro rata portion of the Issuer's net asset value comprising securities, commodities, contracts or otherwise which may actively managed or not actively managed. It should be noted that as used herein the terms “Exchange Traded Fund” and “ETF” apply more broadly compared to some uses that limit these terms to funds registered under the 1940 Act. As used herein, these terms include “Exchange Traded Products” or ETPs and all other such exchange traded products which are Ordinary Redeemable Instruments.

“Exchangeable Asset” as used herein and sometimes referred to as an “EA” or multiple “EAs” can include an asset specified as exchangeable for CRIs in an instance of Compound Redemption. By way of non-limiting example, an Exchangeable Asset can include one or more: stock, bond, inventory, service, contract, commodity, portfolio, right, real estate, agreement, mortgage, note, receivable, cash, currency, coupon, precious metal, energy unit, Ordinary Redeemable Instrument, or other transferable Financial Instrument or asset, including securities of the Issuer not Compound Redeemable or if Compound Redeemable not in the Redemption Instance in which they are Exchangeable Assets. For example, an Ordinary Redeemable Instrument which is an ETF share may be Exchangeable Assets in some instances of Compound Redemption.

“Financial Instrument” shall herein include pecuniary value based upon any stock or certificate of interest or participation in a company, or any indebtedness or obligation or any other instrument falling either within or without of the definition provided by the Securities Exchange Acts of 1933 or 1934 for a financial security including instruments that are not financial securities; including therefore, but not limited to, any: note, equity, common stock, preferred stock, treasury stock, futures contract, senior bond, junior bond, convertible bond, ownership interest, debenture, right, claim, unit, interest, certificate, receipt, contract, option contract, hybrid, derivative, trust unit, swap, repo, forward, or participation in any profit-sharing agreement or in any oil, gas, or other mineral royalty or lease, any collateral-trust certificate, pre-organization certificate or subscription, transferable share, investment contract, voting-trust certificate, certificate of deposit for a security, any put, call, straddle, option, or privilege on any security, certificate of deposit, or group or index of securities (including any interest therein or based on the value thereof), or any put, call, straddle, option, or privilege entered into on a national securities exchange relating to foreign currency, or in general, any instrument commonly known as a ‘security’, or any certificate of interest or participation in, temporary or interim certificate for, receipt for, or warrant or right to subscribe to or purchase.

“Instrument Unit” used herein, refers to a relative number of Compound Redeemable Instruments redeeming in an instance of Compound Redemption.

“Instrument Set” used herein, refers to an absolute number of Compound Redeemable Instruments redeeming in an instance of Compound Redemption.

“Issuer” as used herein, refers to any entity, account, step or process that issues, sponsors, arranges or otherwise provides for Compound Redeemable Instruments, Ordinary Redeemable Instruments or other Financial Instruments.

“Maturity Payment” used herein, refers to a payment received following the holding of a CRI to the end of a term of a related instrument.

“Ordinary Redeemable Instrument” as used herein and sometimes referred to as an “ORI” or multiple “ORIs” refers to a Financial Instrument public or private, listed on an exchange or not listed on an exchange, that may be conventionally redeemed by the Issuer, such as a mutual fund share, open-end fund share, investment fund interest, a hedge fund unit, a private equity interest, exchange traded fund share, exchange traded product, exchange traded note, account interest, ownership receipt, certificate, redeemable bond and redeemable contract, among others.

“Processor Manager” as referred to herein refers to an entity that controls an exchange of Exchangeable Assets for Compound Redeemable Instruments.

“Redemption Instance” as used herein and sometimes referred to as “RI” is an instance of Compound Redemption which includes a predefined exchange of CRIs jointly redeeming in exchange for Exchangeable Assets.

“Redemption Notice” as used herein, refers to a notification by a holder or other controller of a CRI which includes the holder's intent to redeem an indicative number and class of Compound Redeemable Instruments by effecting one or more instances of redemption.

In some embodiments of the present invention, a newly formed special purpose vehicle (SPV) issues derivative instruments and equity instruments jointly redeemable for specified commodities. The derivative may have, for example, a payout linked to equity, housing or even the commodity. Should the market value of the derivative and the equity vary from the commodity, arbitrage opportunities would exist to bring a relative price of the equity and the derivative into balance. In another example, the outstanding shares and bonds of a company can be transformed into Compound Redeemable Instruments jointly redeemable for the finished goods inventory of the Issuer enabling the marketplace to value the Issuers' securities on the basis of its marked-up products. In still other embodiments, disparate Compound Redeemable Instruments can be jointly redeemed for one or more Ordinary Redeemable Instruments, such as one or more ETP shares issued by the Issuer of the Compound Redeemable Instruments or an affiliated or unaffiliated Issuer.

The present invention provides a Compound Redemption Processor apparatus capable of performing method steps for one or more of: managing Assets associated with Compound Obligations, tracking ownership of Assets; and tracking Compound Redemption Obligations.

Compound Redemption Processor may also be capable of creating, distributing, managing, and maintaining a plurality of Compound Redeemable Instruments of a plurality of classes, instruments of one class redeemable together with instruments of one or more other classes in accordance with pre-determined criteria in exchange for specified Exchangeable Assets of one or more classes on an ongoing basis, and also executing trade, transformation, issuance and redemption of such Compound Redeemable Instruments. Compound Redeemable Instruments provide the ability to own and trade a single financial instrument having a unique and attractive matrix of properties allowing enhanced investment opportunities.

A Compound Redemption Processor includes processors in logical communication with executable code which upon execution causes the processor to be functional to one or more of: create, distribute, manage, maintain, redeem, and extinguish the Compound Redeemable Instruments. A data processor according to the present invention makes possible a fundamentally new kind of instrument by defining and managing the absolute and relative numbers and classes of instruments and assets comprising instances of Compound Redemption, and also facilitating trade, creation and redemption of such Compound Redeemable Instruments thereby facilitating pricing arbitrage and efficient market pricing.

In some respects, Compound Redeemable Obligations are based upon a status of Compound Redeemable Instruments and CRIs ability to be redeemed in instances of Compound Redemption. Compound Redeemable Instruments therefore have the advantage of being both familiar to investors and superior in their liquidity and transparency based upon properly managed obligations for Assets. The Compound Redeemable Instruments are familiar in terms of the kinds of structures that investors become involved with from a tax and regulatory perspective and offer the same feeling of financial soundness plus the benefits of Compound Redemption. The Compound Redemption Processor is designed to reinforce and confirm these impressions among investors by facilitating the basic functions necessary for the Compound Redeemable Instrument's comparability and advantages compared with other assets.

Apparatus and executable code utilized to create or process CRIs may take into account multiple factual considerations in order to optimize the success of a CRI offering and redemption. Considerations may include, for example, one or more of: a ratio of CRIs redeeming to the number issued; a ratio of assets exchanging as Exchangeable Assets; a ratio of CRIs to Exchangeable Assets; administration of changes to one or both of the CRIs and the Exchangeable Assets; cash and/or physical settlements; and expense and income attributions.

According to the present invention, the above functions and other aspects are realized in a CRI System including apparatus and executable software. A CRI Data Processor is linked to a database for managing the process of CR. Investors become holders of CRIs having exchange value by virtue of their ability to be redeemed for EAs. The parameters governing CR instances are periodically adjusted in accord with changes, if any, in the relative and absolute numbers of CRIs redeeming and changes, if any, in the relative and absolute numbers of EAs exchanging. These changes may reflect Issuer-related income, expenses or corporate actions or asset-related income, expenses or modifications whether or not the assets are actually owned by the Issuer.

In various embodiments, a CRI database includes digital data descriptive of at least one account, instrument and asset information, and stores parameters that govern an instance on a periodic basis as controlled by processing logic inherent in the executable software. At set intervals the system addresses the proportion of instruments redeeming by changing or not changing the coefficients of the Instrument Unit and the absolute number of instruments redeeming by changing or not changing the multiplier for the Instrument Set. Also at set intervals, the system addresses the proportion of assets exchanging by changing or not changing the coefficients of the Asset Unit and the absolute number as assets redeeming by changing or not changing the multiplier for the Asset Set. The system provides for the creation of Compound Redeemable Instruments by enabling newly created and issued instruments and outstanding instruments for Compound Redemption using the Compound Redemption Processor.

Overview

Referring now to FIG. 1A, a diagram illustrates prior art scenario involving assets grouped in classes, an Issuer and instruments comprising multiple classes. The assets within each class of assets are fungible, but they are not fungible with assets of other classes. The instruments within each class of instrument are fungible, but they are not fungible with instruments of other classes. This diagram is included herein because it is useful for illustrative purposes in order to establish a framework for explaining certain embodiments of the present invention.

With reference to FIG. 1A, Issuer 100 designating Assets 110 comprising classes 110 _(1-d) each comprising a number j_(d) of fungible Asset A_(d) issues Instruments 120 comprising classes 120 _(1-x) each comprising a number k_(x) of a fungible Instrument S_(x). Issuer 100 may be, for example, newly-formed or pre-existing, an operating company or special purpose vehicle, managed actively or not managed actively, or structured as a corporation, depositary arrangement, custodial arrangement, limited liability company, or other legal entity including an exchange, such as, for example, a futures or options exchange, which issues Financial Instruments.

Assets 110 may be, for example, any items of property, including real property, personal property, tangible property or intangible property or any interests therein which may be readily transferable or not. In one example, Assets 110 comprise shares of stock listed on public exchanges of various companies comprising classes 110 _(1-d) each comprising number j_(d) of single company share A_(d). In another example, Assets 110 comprise condominium units in different buildings comprising classes 110 _(1-d) each comprising number j_(d) of single building condominium unit A_(d). In another example, Assets 110 include one or more classes 110 _(1-d) each comprising interests in notional principal contracts known as swap agreements. In another example, Assets 110 include one or more classes 110 _(1-d) comprising different types of cash instruments. In another example, Assets 100 include one or more classes 110 _(1-d) including classes which are Ordinary Redeemable Instruments. In another example, Assets 100 includes one or classes 110 _(1-d) including classes which are U. S. Treasury Bonds of one or more maturity.

Instruments 120 may be, for example, ownership units, debt obligations, certificates, receipts or contract agreements. In one example, Instruments 120 comprise bonds of different maturities each class 121 _(x) comprising a number k_(x) of single maturity bond S_(x). In another example, Instruments 120 comprise common shares and types of contracts comprising classes each class 120 _(x) comprising k_(x) of common share or single contract S_(x). In another example, Instruments 120 comprise rights, receipts or certificates comprising classes each class 120 _(x) comprising k_(x) of right, receipt or certificate S_(x).

In one example, Assets 110 comprise 1000 U. S. Treasury Bonds of a single series and Instruments 120 comprise 10,000 units of ownership of trust Issuer 100 and 20,000 contracts linked to shares of IBM. In this example, Assets 110 comprise class 110 ₁ where j₁ equals 1000 and A₁ represents a single U.S. Treasury Bond and Instruments 120 comprise classes 120 ₁ and 120 ₂ where k₁ equals 10,000 and S₁ represents a single unit and k₂ equals 20,000 and S₂ represents a single contract.

In another example, Assets 110 comprise 100 U. S. Treasury Bonds of a single series and Instruments 120 comprise 10 disparate classes of 1000 certificates per class where each class corresponding to a different claim on the interest or principal payments on the U. S. Treasury Bonds. In this example, Assets 110 comprise class 110 ₁ where j₁ equals 100 and A₁ represents a single U.S. Treasury Bond and Instruments 120 comprise classes 120 ₁₋₁₀ where k₁₋₁₀ each equal 1,000 and S₁₋₁₀ each represent a single certificate.

In another example, Assets 110 comprise screws of several different classes and Instruments 120 comprise shares of stock and bonds of screw manufacturer 100.

FIG. 1B illustrates a block diagram depicting some exemplary embodiments of the present invention including a single instance of Compound Redemption. In such instances, one asset A₁ 110 from a single class 110 ₁ is distributed by Issuer 100 in exchange for the redemption of two Financial Instruments of separate classes S₁ of class 120 ₁ and S₂ of class 120 ₂.

Issuer 125 in FIG. 1B may generally be considered equivalent to an Issuer 100 in FIG. 1A. In FIG. 1B Compound Redeemable Instrument 1 128 and Compound Redeemable Instrument 2 129 are each from a separate class 120 _(x) FIG. 1. These instruments redeem together through the system of Compound Redemption in exchange for the distribution of Exchangeable Asset 132 an asset of a single class 110 _(d).

In this exemplary embodiment, the system operates by grouping Compound Redeemable Instrument 1 and Compound Redeemable Instrument 2 as one Instrument Unit 127 comprising one Instrument Set 126 redeeming in exchange for one Asset Set 130 comprising one Asset Unit 131 comprising one Exchangeable Asset 180. This embodiment illustrates in simplified form, a system of Compound Redemption wherein independent instruments from separate classes redeem jointly in exchange for a single class of asset. In this and other instances of CR the Issuer may retain, extinguish or re-issue redeemed CRIs.

Referring now to FIG. 1C, a block diagram is illustrated depicting some exemplary embodiments of the present invention including a single instance of Compound Redemption where the Exchangeable Asset is an Ordinary Redeemable Instrument. In such instances, one asset A₁ 110 from a single class 110 ₁ is distributed by Issuer 100 in exchange for the redemption of two financial instruments S₁ of class 120 ₁ and S₂ of class 120 ₂.

CRI Issuer A 140 in FIG. 1C may generally be considered equivalent to an Issuer 100 in FIG. 1A. In FIG. 1C CRI 1 Contract A 143 and CRI 2 Contract B 144 are from separate classes 120, in FIG. 1. These instruments redeem together through the system of Compound Redemption in exchange for the distribution of EA 1: ORI B 147 an asset of a single class 110 _(d) being ORI B 149 an Ordinary Redeemable Instrument of ORI Issuer B 148 conventionally redeeming for Portfolio Assets 150. For example, EA 1: ORI B may be ETF share ORI B 149 of ETF Issuer ORI Issuer B 148 which creates and redeems conventionally for Portfolio Assets 150 comprising listed shares of an equity index.

Relationship 151 describes the relationship between CRI Issuer A 140 and ORI Issuer B 148 which may be any of one or more of many different types of relationships that exist among parties. In one example of one type of Relationship 151, CRI Issuer A 140 and ORI Issuer B 148 are unaffiliated independent Issuers. In another example of one type of Relationship 151, CRI Issuer A 140 and ORI Issuer B148 are the same Issuer. It still another example of another type of Relationship 151, CRI Issuer A 140 and ORI Issuer B are subject to common control, sponsorship or management. It is appreciated that Relationship 151 can take the form of any relationship that may exist among entities.

In one specific example of Relationship 151 the Issuer of CRIs and the Issuer of ORIs are unaffiliated where CRI Issuer A 140 is a newly formed special purpose vehicle structured as a limited partnership and ORI Issuer B is a well-established ETF which is not affiliated with said limited partnership.

In another specific example of Relationship 151 the Issuer of CRIs and the Issuer of ORIs is the same Issuer where CRI Issuer A 140 is a trust issuing CRI 1: Contract A 143 and CRI 2: Contract B 143 jointly redeeming for EA 1: ORB 147 one ounce of gold and ORI Issuer B 149 is the same issuer CRI Issuer A 140 issuing ORI B 149 trust units redeeming conventionally for Portfolio Assets 150 comprising one ounce of gold.

In another example of Relationship 151 the Issuer of CRIs and the Issuer of ORIs are under common control where CRI Issuer A 140 and ORI Issuer B 148 are owned by the same corporation. Other types of Relationship 151 where CRI Issuer A 140 and CRI Issuer B 148 experience common control might include direct control by the same individual owner or indirect control by different individual owners belonging to the same family.

In another example of Relationship 151 where the Issuer of CRIs and the Issuer of ORIs are sponsored by the same sponsor, CRI Issuer A 140 is a facility, account or custody arrangement sponsored by Issuer ORI B 149 or the sponsor of Issuer ORI B 149 to enhance the distribution of ORI B 149 as EA 1: ORI B 147 jointly redeeming for CRI 1 Contract A 143 and CRI 2 Contract B 144 such contracts being in high demand.

In extension of the preceding example, upon the joint redemption of CRI 1 Contract A 143 and CRI 2 Contract B 144, ORI Issuer B 148 simultaneously and automatically redeems ORI B 149 for Portfolio Assets 150 which CRI Issuer A 140 distributes in satisfaction of the Compound Redemption of CRI 1 Contract A 143 and CRI 2 Contract B 144.

In this exemplary embodiment, the system operates by grouping Contract A and Contract B as one Instrument Unit 142 comprising one Instrument Set 141 redeeming in exchange for one Asset Set 145 comprising one Asset Unit 146 comprising one Ordinary Redeemable Instrument. This embodiment illustrates in simplified form, a system of Compound Redemption wherein instruments from disparate classes redeem in exchange for a single class of asset which is an Ordinary Redeemable Instrument.

It is appreciated that more than two Issuers may be described by Relationship 151 and that one or more of such Issuers need not be the Issuer of Ordinary Redeemable Instruments.

Referring now to FIG. 1D, two different block diagrams, Diagram I (160) and Diagram II (170), depict additional exemplary embodiments of the present invention incorporating Ordinary Redeemable Instruments including a first block diagram depicting one Issuer issuing CRIs and a different Issuer issuing ORIs and a second block diagram depicting a single Issuer issuing both CRIs and ORIs.

Diagram 160 depicts a first Issuer AB 161 issuing CRI A 162 and CRI B 163 and a second Issuer O 165 issuing ORI 164 where Issuer AB 161 and Issuer O 165 are disparate Issuers that may be unrelated to each other, or related to each other through ownership, management, sponsorship or otherwise. In some embodiments ORI 164 serves as an Exchangeable Asset in the Compound Redemption of CRI A 162 and CRI B 163. For example, share ORI 164 of existing exchange traded bond fund Issuer O 165 is the Exchangeable Asset distributed by partnership Issuer AB161 in the Compound Redemption of partnership interest CRI A 162 and disparate partnership interest CRI A 163.

In other embodiments Issuer AB 161 jointly redeems CRI A 162 and CRI B 163 for Exchangeable Assets which are the same or similar to the assets distributed in the conventional redemption of ORI 164 by Issuer O 165. For example, trust Issuer O 165 redeems an equity share portfolio in the conventional redemption of trust unit ORI 164 and trust Issuer AB 161 jointly redeems trust unit CRI A 162 and trust contract CRI B 163 for the same or similar equity share portfolio.

Diagram 170 depicts the same Issuer ABO 172 issuing CRI A 173, CRI B 174 and ORI 171. In some embodiments the same or similar assets are distributed as Exchangeable Assets in the Compound Redemption of CRI A 173 and CRI B 174 as are distributed in the conventional redemption of ORI 171. Such distributed assets may or may not comprise a percentage of the net asset value of Issuer ABO 172. In other embodiments different assets are distributed in the Compound Redemption of CRI A 173 and CRI B 174 compared to the conventional redemption of ORI 171.

In one specific example where the same or similar assets are distributed in the Compound Redemption as in the conventional redemption, ETF Issuer ABO 172 distributes 1% of a share portfolio XYZ as the Exchangeable Asset in the Compound Redemption of first derivative CRI A 173 and second disparate derivative CRI B 174, and ETF Issuer ABO 172 distributes 1% of the same share portfolio XYZ in the conventional redemption of ETF equity share ORI 171.

In another example, where different assets are distributed in the Compound Redemption compared to the conventional redemption, ETF Issuer ABO 172 distributes 1 ounce of platinum as the Exchangeable Asset in the Compound Redemption of CRI A and CRI B and ETF Issuer ABO 172 distributes 10 shares of third party stock in the conventional redemption of equity share ORI 171.

Other embodiments of the present invention including those of greater variety and complexities wherein instruments from at least two classes of instruments redeem in exchange for assets from at least one class of asset are illustrated in FIG. 2.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a block diagram illustrates exemplary configurations and systems for various embodiments of the invention. Issuer 210 may generally considered to be equivalent to an Issuer 100 in FIG. 1A. Issuer 210 may be the owner of Exchangeable Assets 211 or may acquire or direct these assets in order to fulfill its obligations under one or more instances of Compound Redemption described herein. Holder 220 is the owner of Compound Redeemable Instruments 221 or may acquire or direct these instruments in order to meet the requirements for one or more instances of Compound Redemption.

Redemption Instance 200 occurs when Compound Redeemable Instruments R_(x) 221 comprising more than one of Instrument Classes 221 _(1-x), redeem in exchange for Exchangeable Assets E_(d) 211 comprising one or more of Asset Classes 211 _(1-d). As such, Instruments 120 in FIG. 1A are Compound Redeemable Instruments if they can be redeemed in this fashion and Assets 110 in FIG. 1A are Exchangeable Assets if they are exchangeable in this fashion. As a result, Compound Redeemable Instruments 221 are a subset of Instruments 120 in FIG. 1A that issue as or subsequently become Compound Redeemable Instruments and Exchangeable Assets 211 comprise Assets 110 in FIG. 1A that are Exchangeable Assets.

In some embodiments of the invention, Issuer 210 issues only Compound Redeemable Instruments 221.

In other embodiments of the invention, Issuer 210 issues interests (such as 120 in FIG. 1A) which are not Compound Redeemable Instruments 221. Such interests can include any sort of instrument other than Compound Redeemable Instruments including for example equity, debt, contracts, swap agreements, warrants and derivatives which are not redeemable, or which are individually redeemable such as the shares of an open-end mutual fund or certain unit investment trusts.

In other embodiments of the invention, Compound Redeemable Instruments 221 may include instruments of more than one Issuer 210. For example, in some alternative embodiments, Trust A may issue 1000 equity units to investors and a single contract to Trust B using the proceeds to acquire 1000 bonds. Trust B issues 1000 equity units to investors representing interests in the contract acquired from trust A. Trust A and Trust B use Compound Redemption to redeem one Trust A equity unit and one Trust B equity unit (note that these equity units are of disparate classes being equity units of different Issuers) for one bond received by Trust A and a reduction in the notional amount of the contract between Trust A and Trust B (in this example by 1/1000^(th)). Similarly, Trust A and Trust B may create equity units and increase the notional of the contract between Trust A and Trust B.

In furtherance of this embodiment, Trust A does not issue a formal contract to Trust B which issues contracts to investors. Trust A and Trust B use Compound Redemption to redeem one Trust A equity unit and one Trust B contract for one bond owned or not owned by Trust A. Similarly, Trust A and Trust B create one Trust A equity unit and one Trust B contract for one bond deposited into Trust A.

In some specific examples, Compound Redeemable Instruments 221 provide similar economics of Exchange Traded Notes or ETNs with additional flexibility. ETNs generally are obligations of an Issuer that are listed and traded on a securities exchange such as the NYSE and provide investors access to the return of a market index. The return associated with an ETN at maturity or upon redemption is derived from the performance of a benchmark, typically a market index, which may be adjusted for fees and other costs. An investor fee is usually associated with ETNs. The investor fee may be calculated in different ways, but will generally be calculated on a cumulative basis each day based on a yearly fee and the performance of the underlying index.

ETNs closely track index performance because their payout and redemption value is specified in terms of the benchmark and varies primarily because of fees and costs, but may also vary because of a change in the credit worthiness of the Issuer. This is different as compared to ETFs which hold assets and track one or more indices, assets or other benchmark indicators. ETFs don't have the same type of credit risk associated with ETNs, but may experience other risks including tracking error associated with the management of assets as well as fees and costs.

Two or more CRIs enable investors to track a benchmark with added flexibility compared to a conventional ETN to efficiently achieve more efficient variations of risk and return associated with a benchmark. For example, one ETN which is a CRI can provide the performance of an index, adjusted for fees and other costs, up to and including a cap level and another ETN which is a CRI can provide the performance of an index, adjusted for fees and other costs, above the cap level. The cap level and above cap level ETNs use Compound Redemption to access the Exchangeable Asset which is a cash amount providing the performance of the adjusted index similar to a conventional ETN. However, by investing in relatively more of one ETN or the other, other variations of risk and return can be achieved. Individually, these ETNs resemble conventional structured products which are not redeemable; however, because they are CRIs these structured products are jointly redeemable for cash providing and enhanced liquidity feature compared to conventional structured products.

For illustrative purposes, and by way of non-limiting example, an Issuer in the above example may be an exchange such, as for example, a futures exchange issuing two classes of contracts with economics similar to the cap level ETN and above cap level ETN where instruments from both classes are jointly redeemable in exchange for the cash value of an index using Compound Redemption.

In another specific example, Class A equity units and Class B equity units are Compound Redeemable Instruments 221 of an Exchange Traded Fund or ETF Issuer 210 which holds cash collateral as Exchangeable Assets 211. The Class A equity units provide capped long exposure to a reference, such as the Consumer Price Index or Gross Domestic Product, and the Class B equity units are a residual interest effectively providing short capped exposure to the same reference.

In other examples, Exchange Traded Fund shares or ETF shares may be Exchangeable Assets 211 exchanging for Compound Redeemable Instruments 221 in one or more instances of Compound Redemption 200. ETF shares are generally equity interests in an Issuer that are listed and traded on a securities exchange such as the NYSE and provide investors fully collateralized access to the return of the Issuer's underlying assets which may include securities, commodities, cash and other assets. ETF shares are conventionally redeemable such that a single ETF share is redeemable for the net asset value of the assets held by the Issuer.

CRIs of an Issuer where ETF shares comprise Exchangeable Assets enable investors to obtain more efficient variations of risk and return compared to a conventional ETF share. For example, a CRI DIV based on the dividends of stocks comprising an ETF portfolio and a CRI PRICE based on the price return of the same stocks enable investors to customize their exposure to dividends or price return compared to the ETF share. It should be noted that the Issuer of the CRIs and the Issuer of the ETF shares can be the same entity, affiliated Issuers or unaffiliated Issuers.

In one example where the Issuer of the CRIs is the same as the Issuer of the ETF shares, an ETF issues disparate CRI units jointly redeeming for ETF shares. In another example where the Issuers are related, a bank sponsors an ETF issuing ETF shares and an affiliate of the bank sponsors a depositary arrangement issuing certificates of disparate classes jointly redeemable for the ETF shares. In yet another example where the Issuers are unrelated, an trust issues CRIs which are contracts and equity units jointly redeemable for ETF shares of an unaffiliated ETF Issuer.

In another embodiment of the invention, Issuer 210 issues Instruments 120 in FIG. 1A which are not redeemable when issued, but subsequently become Compound Redeemable Instruments 221. This might be the case where an Issuer has a class of outstanding equity and a class of outstanding debt that the Issuer causes to become Compound Redeemable Instruments 221 subsequent to the issuance redeeming in exchange for one or more classes of asset that it owns or will acquire.

In another embodiment of the invention, Issuer 210 issues Instruments 120 in FIG. 1A which are not Exchangeable Assets when issued, but subsequently become Exchangeable Assets 211. This might be the case where Issuer 210 has a class of outstanding Ordinary Redeemable Instruments that the Issuer causes to become Exchangeable Assets 211 exchanging for Compound Redeemable Instruments 221 that it has issued or will issue.

In one embodiment of the invention, a Redemption Instance 200 specifies Instrument Set 201 comprising Multiplier v 203 number of Instrument Units 202 comprising coefficients r_(1-x) numbers of Compound Redeemable Instruments R_(x) redeeming in exchange for Asset Set 204 comprising Multiplier u 206 of Asset Units 205 comprising coefficients e_(1-d) numbers of Exchangeable Assets E_(d).

In other embodiments, Redemption Instance 200 comprises Instrument Set 201 comprising the smallest non-negative integer number of Compound Redeemable Instruments redeeming in exchange for Asset Set 204 comprising the smallest non-negative integer number of Exchangeable Assets where Instrument Unit 202 comprises the smallest non-negative integer numbers r_(1-x) at least r₁ and r₂ being positive of R_(1-x), Multiplier v 203 represents the smallest positive integer number of Instrument Units 202, Asset Unit 205 comprises the smallest non-negative integer numbers e_(1-d) at least e₁ being positive of E_(1-d), and Multiplier u 206 represents the smallest positive integer number of Asset Units 205.

For example, the number and class of Compound Redeemable Instruments redeeming in Instrument Set 201 comprises 100 shares of common equity and 20 derivative contracts where Instrument Unit 202 comprises 5 shares and 1 contract and Multiplier v equals 20, and the number and class of Exchangeable Assets exchanging in Asset Set 204 comprises 3 corporate bonds where Asset Unit 205 comprises 1 bond and Multiplier u 206 equals 3. The ratio of u/v in various embodiments of the invention is referred to herein as a Redemption Ratio. In this example, the Redemption Ratio is 3/20.

In still other embodiments of the invention, a Redemption Instance 200 specifies Instrument Set 201 comprising any non-negative number of Compound Redeemable Instruments redeeming in exchange for Asset Set 204 comprising any non-negative number of Exchangeable Assets where Interest Unit 202 comprises any numbers r_(1-x) at least r₁ and r₂ positive, Multiplier v 203 represents any positive number, Asset Unit 205 comprises any number(s) e_(1-d) at least e₁ positive and Multiplier u 206 represents any positive number.

For example, the number and class of Compound Redeemable Instruments is equal to Multiplier v of 0.9 Instrument Unit 202 each comprising 10,000 shares of preferred equity, 4 senior bonds and 2 subordinated bonds, and the number and class of Exchangeable Assets 204 is equal to Multiplier u 70.2 of Asset Units comprising 30 buckets of #2 screws and 70 buckets of #8 screws. In this example the Redemption Ratio is 70.2/0.9, or 78/1.

In various embodiments of the invention, any numbers of Compound Redeemable Instruments R_(x) 221 from more than one Instrument Class 221 _(1-x) and any numbers of Exchangeable Assets E_(d) from at least one Asset Class 211 _(1-d) can be specified in a Redemption Instance.

In various embodiments of the invention, fractions of Instrument Sets, Instrument Units, Multiplier v's, Compound Redeemable Instruments, Asset Sets, Asset Units, Multiplier u's, and Exchangeable Assets are possible.

It is appreciated that in some individual or groupings of instances of Compound Redemption the use of cash equivalents may be used for all or a portion of a redemption instance.

In various embodiments of the invention, an Issuer may create Compound Redeemable Instruments only in the case where it owns at least all of the Exchangeable Assets for which said instruments can be redeemed.

In various embodiments of the invention, an Issuer may create Compound Redeemable Instruments in cases where it owns less than all of the Exchangeable Assets for which said instruments can be redeemed.

Referring now to FIG. 3, with reference to FIGS. 1A and 2, configuration and system examples of various embodiments of the invention are illustrated. FIG. 3 illustrates an Issuer 310, generally equivalent to an Issuer 210 in FIG. 2, and Holders 320 comprising H_(1-h) each a Holder 220 of FIG. 2 engaging in Redemption Instances 300 comprising RI_(1-c) each a Redemption Instance 200 in FIG. 2.

In some exemplary embodiments, H_(h) may be the same in different RI_(c)'s as in the case where insurance company H₁ is the Holder in RI₁ and RI₂, or in the case where H₁ is the only Holder in each of several RI_(c)'s in which it is a participant. In other exemplary embodiments, H_(h)'s may be different in different RI_(c)'s as in the case where investment fund H₁ participates in RI₁ and corporate investor H₂ participates in RI₂. In other exemplary embodiments, H_(h)'s may be different in the same RI_(c) as in the case where sophisticated investor H₁ and hedge fund H₂ participate in RI₁ by each contributing Compound Redeemable Instruments 221 in FIG. 2.

In other exemplary embodiments, Issuer 310 may be a joint venture or agreement among two or more distinct entities where RI_(c)'s include Compound Redeemable Instruments R_(x) 221 issued by one or more of such entities exchanging for Exchangeable Assets E_(d) provided by one or more of such entities.

In other exemplary embodiments, Instrument Set 201 in FIG. 2 may be the same in more than one RI_(1-c) as in the case where the Instrument Set comprises 50 common shares and ten warrants of Issuer in each of RI₁₋₅₁₂. In still other exemplary embodiments, Instrument Set 201 in FIG. 2 may be different in more than one RI_(1-c) as in the case where the Instrument Set Comprises 40 common shares and 20 preferred shares of Issuer in each of RI₁₋₂₀₀ and 41 common shares and 20 preferred shares of Issuer in each of RI₂₀₁₋₂₀₄.

In other exemplary embodiments, Asset Set 204 in FIG. 2 may be the same in more than one RI_(1-c) as in the case where the Asset Set comprises 50 silver coins of a single type in each of RI_(1-20,000). In other exemplary embodiments, Asset Set 204 may be different in more than one RI_(1-c) as in the case where the Asset Set Comprises 48 silver coins of a single type in each of RI₁₋₂₃₀₀, 47 silver coins of the same type in each of R1 ₂₃₀₁₋₃₃₃₃ and 46 silver coins of the same type in each of RI₃₃₃₄₋₅₀₀₀.

In other exemplary embodiments, Instrument Unit 202 in FIG. 2 may be the same in more than one RI_(1-c) as in the case where the Instrument Unit comprises 7 preferred shares, 1 bond and one contract of Issuer in each of RI_(1-10,000). In other exemplary embodiments, Instrument Unit 202 in FIG. 2 may be different in more than one RI_(1-c) as in the case where the Instrument Unit comprises 2 common shares and 1 preferred share of the Issuer in RI₁₋₁₀₀, 300 common shares and 2 bonds of the Issuer in each of RI_(101-1,000), 2 common shares, 1 preferred share and 0.1 bonds of the Issuer in each of RI_(1,001-1,100).

In other exemplary embodiments, Asset Unit 205 in FIG. 2 may be the same in more than one RI_(1-c) as in the case where the Asset Unit comprises 1 U.S. Treasury Bond in each and every RI_(c). In other exemplary embodiments, the Asset Unit 205 in FIG. 2 may be different in more than one RI_(1-c). In furtherance of this exemplary embodiment, the Asset Unit Comprises 3 shares of ABC Company stock, 5 shares of XYZ Company stock and 3 gold coins in some RI_(c), and 9 shares of ABC Company stock, 1 share of GHI Company stock and 1000 silver coins in every other RI_(c).

In other exemplary embodiments, Multiplier v 203 in FIG. 2 may be the same in more than one RI_(1-c) as in the case where Multiplier v is 1.0 in each of RI₁₋₂₅. In other exemplary embodiments, Multiplier v 203 in FIG. 2 may be different in more than one RI_(1-c) as in the case where Multiplier v is 0.9999 in each of RI₂₆₋₆₀ and 0.99985 in each of RI₆₁₋₈₅.

In other exemplary embodiments, Multiplier u 206 in FIG. 2 may be the same in more than one RI_(1-c) as is the case where Multiplier u is 10.0 in each of RI₁, RI₇ and RI₂₈. In other exemplary embodiments, Multiplier u 206 in FIG. 2 may be different in more than one RI_(1-c) as is the case where Multiplier u is 7 in RI₁, 6 in RI₇₀₂, 5 in RI₁₅₀₀ and 4.3 in RI₂₂₂₃.

In other exemplary embodiments, Multiplier u 206 and Multiplier v 203 and coefficients r_(1-x) and e_(1-d) all equal to 1 in more than one RI_(1-c) as is the case where Multiplier u is 1, Multiplier v is 1, coefficient r₁ is 1, coefficient r₂ is 1, coefficient e₁ is 1 and all other coefficients are 0 in every RI_(c). By way of further example involving ETNs in some embodiments, ETNs are jointly redeemable for one amount of cash specified to be an index, such as E₁. Alternatively, E₁ can be a fixed amount and a coefficient e₁ varies with an index. Alternatively, e₁ and E₁ can be pre-specified in order to provide a fixed schedule of redemption amounts such as One Hundred Dollars U.S. ($100.00) this year and One Hundred Five Dollars U.S. ($105.00) a following year.

In other exemplary embodiments, one or more of the Instrument Set 201, Asset Set 204, Instrument Unit 202, Asset Unit 205, Multiplier v 203 and Multiplier u 206 in FIG. 2 may not change in a subsequent RI_(c) as is the case where each of the Instrument Set, Asset Set, Instrument Unit, Asset Unit, Multiplier v and Multiplier u is the same in RI₃ as it was in RI₂ where RI₃ is subsequent to RI₂.

In other exemplary embodiments, one or more of the Instrument Set 201, Asset Set 204, Instrument Unit 202, Asset Unit 205, Multiplier v 203 and Multiplier u 206 in FIG. 2 may change in a subsequent RI_(c) on an arbitrary basis as is the case where Multiplier u 206 is 10 in RI₁, 9 in RI₂ and 11 in RI₃ where RI₃ is subsequent to RI₂ and RI₂ is subsequent to RI₁.

In other exemplary embodiments, one or more of the Instrument Set 201, Asset Set 204, Instrument Unit 202, Asset Unit 205, Multiplier v 203 and Multiplier u 206 in FIG. 2 change in a subsequent RI_(c) on a specified basis as in the examples where Multiplier v 203 is increased or decreased in subsequent RI_(c) to reflect the actual expenses or income of Issuer 210 in FIG. 2 or Instrument Unit 202 is changed to reflect a change to a Compound Redeemable Instrument R_(x) 221 such as a corporate event as in a share split of an instrument included in such Instrument Unit.

In other exemplary embodiments, Holder H_(h) 320 initiates RI_(c). In furtherance of this exemplary embodiment, H_(h) provides Issuer 310 with a Redemption Notice 401 FIG. 4 (discussed further below) to initiate a RI_(c). In other exemplary embodiments, Issuer 310 initiates RI_(c). In furtherance of this exemplary embodiment, Issuer provides one or more Holders with a Redemption Notice to initiate a RI_(c).

The various elements of a system of Compound Redemption is illustrated in FIGS. 1B, 2 and 3 and may be expressed in unique controlling logic resident on or implemented with any of one or more computers, e.g. servers, which in turn may be connected to other computers or computer networks such as those including but not limited to the World Wide Web, the Internet, any suitable local area network (LAN), and/or any suitable wide area network (WAN), a virtual private network (VPN), Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN or other type of distributed network.

Further, the various functionalities of the systems and methods described herein may be implemented by suitable hardware, firmware, and/or software (e.g. such as those useful for computer, telephony, and/or internet applications). Examples of computer systems incorporating the system of Compound Redemption are outlined in FIGS. 8 and 9.

Methods

Referring now to FIG. 4, a flow chart illustrates methods of redeeming of Compound Redeemable Instruments via Redemption Instances in exchange for Exchangeable Assets according to some specific embodiments of the invention. Holder 400 redeems Compound Redeemable Instruments 403 from Issuer 440 using Depositor 420 being the Issuer, an affiliate of the Issuer, or an unrelated third party.

Communications and method steps describe herein may be accomplished via a network access device, such as a personal computer, a computer terminal, a mobile phone, a personal digital device or other apparatus capable of communicating via a distributed network in logical communication with a server or other Compound Redemption Processor involved in the methods described.

At a first step 1 Holder 400 submits Redemption Notice 401 to Depositor 420 specifying the intent of Holder 400 to redeem an indicative number and class of Compound Redeemable Instruments 403 by effecting one or more Redemption Instances 200. Depositor 420 accepts Redemption Notice 401 as Redemption Notice 421 or rejects it for incompleteness and returns it to Holder in step 1(a). At a second step 2 Depositor submits Redemption Notice 421 to Issuer 440 specifying Holder's intent to redeem indicative number of Compound Redeemable Instruments by effecting one or more Redemption Instances 200 in FIG. 2. Issuer 440 accepts Redemption Notice 421 as complete Redemption Notice 441 and proceeds to a third step 3 or rejects it for incompleteness and returns it to Depositor in a step 2(a) who then completes it and returns it in step 2 or returns it to Holder in a step 1(a).

In a third step 3, Issuer revises, if necessary, the specifications of Redemption Instances 200 of FIG. 2 and produces Redemption Specification 442 confirming for execution the terms of Compound Redemption Instances 200 of FIG. 2. Issuer then forwards said Redemption Specification to Depositor in a fourth Step 4 who accepts it as Redemption Specification 422 and forwards it in step 5 to Holder who accepts it as Redemption Specification 402.

In a sixth step 6 Holder assembles the proper number and classes of Compound Redeemable Instruments 403 according to Redemption Specification 402 and tenders them in a seventh step 7 to Depositor who accepts them as Compound Redeemable Instruments 423.

In an eighth step 8 Depositor groups Compound Redeemable Instruments into Instrument Sets 424 which are then tendered in a ninth step 9 to the Issuer who accepts them as Instrument Sets 443 in exchange for Asset Sets 444 which Issuer distributes to Depositor in step 10 who accepts them as Asset Sets 425. It will be appreciated that in alternative embodiments of the present invention, the Issuer may retain, extinguish or reissue the Compound Redeemable Instruments received as Instrument Sets.

In an eleventh step 11 the Depositor disassembles Asset Sets 425 into Exchangeable Assets 426 and retains a portion of said Exchangeable Assets in step 12 as Redemption Fee 427. In a thirteenth step 13 the Net Exchangeable Assets 428 are assembled for distribution and are distributed in fourteenth step 14 to Holder who receives them as Net Exchangeable Assets 404.

It will be appreciated that in alternate embodiments of the present invention, a Depositor may receive from a Holder or distribute to a Holder amounts of cash either incremental or for the entire amounts deposited or withdrawn in order to facilitate Compound Redemption including for the payment of any Redemption Fee. Furthermore, it will be appreciated that in alternate embodiments of the present invention, the Depositor may acquire Compound Redeemable Instruments and act as redeeming Holder on behalf of a third party providing cash to the Depositor in exchange for Exchangeable Assets.

It will also be appreciated that in alternate embodiments of the present invention, these steps described and associated with FIG. 4 through FIG. 7B , or otherwise discussed in conjunction with the present invention are automated through one or more computer systems including apparatus and executable code that may be executed upon command. FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate exemplary computer systems that may be used to implement functionality and method steps presented herein.

Referring now to FIG. 5, a flow chart illustrates steps that may be included, in some embodiments of the present invention relating to acquisition, ownership and disposition of Compound Redeemable Instruments 221 by Holder 220 in a specific embodiment of the present invention.

Beginning with step 500 Holder 220 acquires Compound Redeemable Instruments 221 through one or more of transformation, issuance or purchase. Holder 220 may acquire Compound Redeemable Instruments through transformation by Issuer 210 at step 500 whereby Instruments 120 previously acquired by Holder 220 become Compound Redeemable Instruments 221 during the time that Holder 220 holds them.

Alternatively, Holder 220 may acquire Compound Redeemable Instruments 221 through issuance at step 500 whereby Holder 220 becomes a holder by contributing cash or Exchangeable Assets 211 to Issuer 210 in exchange for Compound Redeemable Instruments 221. This can occur for example, by essentially running the system of Compound Redemption illustrated in FIG. 2 in reverse, such that in an instance of creation, the Holder can deposit one Asset Set of Exchangeable Assets in order to receive one Instrument Set in Compound Redeemable Instruments. Alternatively, many such instances of creation can be conducted simultaneously or sequentially in order that a Holder may come to own Compound Redeemable Instruments.

In another method of acquisition, Holder 220 may acquire Compound Redeemable Instruments 221 through purchase at step 500 whereby Holder 220 acquires for consideration such as cash from another Holder 220 either in an organized marketplace or otherwise Compound Redeemable Instruments 221. The marketplace may be a public marketplace such as a stock exchange or may be a private marketplace such as the NASDAQ PORTAL Alliance System. In addition, Compound Redeemable Instruments may be acquired through private placement, negotiated transaction, or otherwise.

In some embodiments, an Issuer may require that one method or another be used exclusively in causing holders to come to own Compound Redeemable Instruments. In some embodiments, an Issuer may allow that more than one method be used in causing holders to come to own Compound Redeemable Instruments.

At step 510 Holder 220 owns Compound Redeemable Interests 221 entitling Holder 220 to the benefits and obligations of ownership including any voting rights, collateral rights, rights to receive payments, transfer rights, limited liability, obligations to make payments and post collateral, ownership restrictions and essentially any and all rights and obligations to which the holder of a particular instrument may be entitled or obligated depending on the structure of that instrument.

By way of example, if the Compound Redeemable Instrument is a listed equity interest the Holder 220 may be entitled to voting rights and dividend income. In another example, if the Compound Redeemable Instrument 221 is a convertible debt instrument, the Holder 220 is entitled to coupon payments, conversion rights and call protection among others. In another example, if the Compound Redeemable Instrument 221 is a partnership interest the Holder 220 might have the right to receive payments and the obligation to make contributions.

At step 520 Holder 220 may elect to hold the Compound Redeemable Instrument 221 throughout its term and receive a payment in the form of a Maturity Payment 521, if any, depending on a structure of the Compound Redeemable Instrument. Alternatively, Holder 220 may elect to Sell In Market 530 and receive Sale Proceeds 522.

Alternatively, Holder 220 may proceed to a next decision point 540 and a determination is made as to whether Holder 220 owns a proper number of Instrument Units to be able to redeem Compound Redeemable Instruments for Exchangeable Assets. In the event that a “no” answer is received, the Holder may proceed to 500 to acquire instruments required to redeem. In the event that a “yes” answer is received, the Holder may proceed to step 550 and submit a Notice of Redemption to Issuer 210 followed by the step 560 which includes tendering of Compound Redeemable Instruments 221 to Issuer 210 and step 570 which is the receipt from Issuer 210 of Exchangeable Assets 211. Holder 220 tenders the proper number and class of Compound Redeemable Instruments 221 comprising Instrument Units 202 to Issuer 210 in exchange for the proper number and class of Exchangeable Assets 211 comprising Asset Units 205 from Issuer 210.

Steps 550, 560 and 570 may utilize a Depositor 420 as an intermediary between Holder 400 and Issuer 440. The Depositor may be an unaffiliated third party such as a broker dealer or may be an affiliate of the Issuer or the Issuer itself. The Depositor may receive from the Holder or distribute to the Holder incremental amounts of cash in order to facilitate the redemption of Instrument Units in exchange for Exchangeable Assets. It will be appreciated that in alternate embodiments of the present invention, the Depositor may acquire Compound Redeemable Instruments and act as redeeming Holder on behalf of a third party providing cash to the Depositor in exchange for Exchangeable Assets.

Implementing the steps for investing in Compound Redeemable Instruments mandate a communications mechanism between the various entities referenced in FIG. 5. This communications mechanism encompasses any and all techniques for conveying information from one place to another including, for example, wireless communications, wired communications, computer networks, fiber optics, and others.

Referring now to FIG. 5A, a flow diagram illustrates steps relating to acquisition, ownership, and disposition of Compound Redeemable Instruments by Holder 220 in one exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

At Step 1 Issuer 572 in FIG. 5A generally equivalent to Issuer 210 in FIG. 2 issues Compound Redeemable Instruments 574, 576 and 578 each from a separate class 221 _(x) of Compound Redeemable Instruments to Holder 573, which may be considered generally equivalent to Holder 220, for cash or Exchangeable Assets 211 or otherwise. Alternatively, Holder 573, the owner of instruments 579, 580 and 581 120 _(x) becomes the owner of Compound Redeemable Instruments in Step 1 b through the transformation of instruments that are not compound redeemable into instruments that are compound redeemable. Alternatively, Holder 573 acquires Compound Redeemable Instruments 590, 592 and 594 in Step 3 through secondary market purchase.

At Step 2, Holder 573 disposes of Compound Redeemable Instruments 582, 584 and 586 via a secondary market sale. Alternatively, in Step 4, Holder 573 redeems Instrument Set 596 equivalent to Instrument Set 201 in FIG. 2 through the process of Compound Redemption.

Referring now to FIG. 6, flow chart illustrates a method of creating, redeeming, managing, administering, and extinguishing Compound Redeemable Instruments 221 according to some embodiments of the present invention and generally from the perspective of a CRI system proprietor.

Compound Redeemable Instruments may be publicly or privately offered for sale. The instruments may be purchased and sold in packages or independently. For example, the instruments may be offered via the same channels as private placements sold to individuals or institutions or offered via the same channels as publicly available stocks, funds, bonds, and so on. The instruments may be offered on any of a variety of public or private, foreign or domestic exchanges. For example, instruments may be offered on the NASDAQ PORTAL Alliance System, NYSE, American Stock Exchange, or any of a number of exchanges, or information pages such as Bloomberg pages or Reuter's pages as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. The instruments may be offered by any number of financial institutions such as banks, investment firms, brokers, and the like.

In some embodiments, several entities may play different roles in creating instruments, managing collateral backing instruments, managing Exchangeable Assets or other collateral backing Instrument Sets and RIs, brokering instruments, and so forth.

At 600 an initial depositor or creator, such as a sponsor, promoter, investment banker or Issuer evaluates creating a new Issuer to offer Compound Redeemable Instruments considering whether the instruments will satisfy investor needs or Issuer needs primarily. If the determination is not to create a new Issuer, step 601 comprises activities to identify an existing operating company, special purpose vehicle or other entity as Issuer 210 issuing new Compound Redeemable Instruments or converting existing instruments that are not Compound Redeemable Instruments into Compound Redeemable Instruments. In this case, the existing company which is not a CRI Issuer becomes a CRI Issuer.

In some embodiments, an Issuer is identified in part based on the Issuer's ability to benefit from Compound Redeemable Instruments. Benefits may include one or more of: generation of fees, improved liquidity of CRI issuances and increased market interest in the Issuer's offerings.

If a determination is to create a new Issuer, step 602 includes investment-banking activity aimed at structuring and new Compound Redeemable Instruments. This process contemplates considerations of market demand, legal, tax, regulatory and other issues affecting the proper structuring of the Issuer, including the issuance of Financial Instruments.

At 603, Issuer 210 specifies Compound Redeemable Instruments. In one example, an Issuer is a new special purpose vehicle and the instruments specified are a single class of equity and a single class of debt each to be issued as Compound Redeemable Instruments 221. In another example, an Issuer is an existing corporation with one class of equity and one class of convertible bonds outstanding that the Issuer specifies to be Compound Redeemable Instruments 221. Step 603 also includes specifying Instrument Units 202, Instrument Sets 201, Exchangeable Assets 211, Asset Units 205 and Asset Sets 204.

The legal and economic form of Compound Redeemable Instruments including collateralization with Exchangeable Assets or other collateral, may be determined in order to be attractive to the marketplace. Compound Redeemable Instruments may be structured, for example, as debt instruments, equity instruments, contractual obligations, hybrids and others. Accordingly, collateral, if any, may be related to one or more instruments or may be separate and apart from any collateral associated with an individual CRI.

At 604, a determination may be made to require the deposit of Exchangeable Assets or other collateral to back the Issuer's obligation to redeem Compound Redeemable Instruments. This step may involve analyzing investment characteristics of assets including whether the assets are hard assets or financial assets and may also include factors such as liquidity, transferability, maturity, coupons, dividends, settlement, payment dates, ratings and market capitalization and estimates as to timing and amount of payments produced under a variety of scenarios.

If the determination is yes, said assets are received and managed by the Issuer or its agent in step 605. In the case of newly issued Compound Redeemable Instruments, the Issuer may receive assets or the cash equivalent amount used to acquire assets in this step. In the case of existing instruments which may not initially be Compound Redeemable Instruments but are converted into Compound Redeemable Instruments, the Issuer may use existing funding to acquire said assets. The management of the assets is effected by the Issuer or a representative of the Issuer and may include active management, passive management or no management at all. If the determination in step 604 is not to deposit assets then the Issuer's obligation to redeem Instrument Sets may be based on the Issuer's ability to fulfill its redemption obligation, a third party guarantee or otherwise.

At 606, the Compound Redeemable Instruments 221 are implemented in the marketplace. In the case of newly issued Compound Redeemable Instruments, the instruments are distributed into the marketplace by offering or otherwise. In the case of existing instruments that are not Compound Redeemable Instruments, but that are converted into Compound Redeemable Instruments, these instruments become Compound Redeemable Instruments 221 in this step.

At 607, the Issuer supports trading, tracking and reporting of Compound Redeemable Instruments 221. This includes the use of electronic computing and networking technologies enabling automated means to perform computation and data processing to support the trading of Compound Redeemable Instruments and reporting of financial documents, financial analysis, market-based valuations, computerized redemption and creation support, and support for various markets including options, futures and lending products and markets tied to Compound Redeemable Instruments.

At 608, the Issuer administers terms of instruments. Terms may include making payments due under the terms of Compound Redeemable Instruments 221. The payments may include interest payments, dividend payments, swap payments, payments in settlement of options or contracts or any other distributions required under the terms of the Compound Redeemable Instruments.

At 609, the Issuer makes adjustments, if any, to the Instrument Set and Asset Set. Adjustments may be based on changes to the underlying Compound Redeemable Instruments 221 for corporate events including splits, payments in kind, liquidating dividends, net settlement of contracts or any other events that impact the make-up of Instrument Units. They may also be based on changes to the underlying Exchangeable Assets. For financial assets this might include corporate events including, for example: splits, payments in kind, liquidating dividends, net settlement of contracts or other events that impact the make-up of Asset Units.

In the case of hard assets, it might include adjustments for spoilage, carrying costs, insurance, damages or others that impact the make-up of Asset Units. Also in step 609, the Issuer adjusts or doesn't adjust the multipliers u 206 and v 203 indicating the number of Asset Units 205 in the Asset Set redeeming per number of Instrument Units 202 in the Instrument Set. For example the Issuer may change these on a regular basis to reflect its income or expenses for administrative or other reasons, including those associated with holding Exchangeable Assets or other assets. Alternatively, some or all of the multipliers u and v, the Instrument Unit and the Asset Unit may be fixed such that no periodic or other adjustments or determinations are necessary. Alternatively, some or all of the multipliers u and v, the Instrument Unit and the Asset Unit may be fixed such that no periodic or other adjustments or determinations are permitted. Alternatively, some or all of the multipliers u and v, the Instrument Unit and the Asset Unit may be fixed such that no periodic or other adjustments or determinations or are permitted other than in specified situations.

At 610, the Issuer redeems Compound Redeemable Instruments 221 in exchange for Exchangeable Assets 211 based on the Redemption Ratio number of Asset Units 205 comprising Exchangeable Assets 211 or the cash equivalent thereof or both for Instrument Units 202 comprising Compound Redeemable Instruments 221 or the cash equivalent thereof or both. The day-to-day operation of the system including various aspects of step 609 is illustrated in detail in FIG. 12.

At 611, the Issuer distributes Exchangeable Assets 211 or the cash equivalent thereof or both to the Holder 220 of the Compound Redeemable Instruments redeeming.

At 612, the determination is made to continue the operations of the Issuer 210. If the determination is made to not continue operations, remaining Compound Redeemable Instruments are paid in step 615 and the Issuer's use of Compound Redeemable Instruments is terminated. If the determination is made to continue operations then determination may be made in step 613 to expand operations or to not expand operations. If the determination is made to expand operations then the process is re-started at step 603. In the event that the determination is made to not expand operations then any remaining Compound Redeemable Instruments and associated assets, if any, are managed for the benefit of any remaining Holders until the expiration, if applicable, of said Compound Redeemable Instruments. If the determination is made to not expand operations then management of remaining instruments continues in 614.

In some embodiments, in order to keep the Compound Redeemable Instruments as competitive instruments in the marketplace, an Issuer of Compound Redeemable Instruments may, from time to time, reset the terms of the Compound Redeemable Instruments through corporate actions or otherwise. For example, this may be done periodically or in response to economic factors that undesirably alter the attractiveness of the Compound Redeemable Instruments as an investment. This resetting may be done for example to reduce the price of a Compound Redeemable Instrument that is a share of stock through a stock split. Such an event will have ramifications for the determinants of Compound Redemption requiring adjustments within the system. For example, one or more of the coefficients of the Instrument Unit, Asset Unit or Redemption Ratio might require adjustment as a result.

Various embodiments may also include mechanisms for adjusting the holdings of Exchangeable Assets by the Issuer to a level that insures its ability to make good on Compound Redemptions as they occur. For example the minimum ratio of Asset Sets to Instrument Sets may be 100% in the case of an Issuer that is a special purpose vehicle intended to have no credit risk. Alternatively, an operating business Issuer with a strong credit rating and ready access to financing might deem a ratio of Asset Sets to Instrument Sets on hand of 10% to be sufficient. Accordingly, in either case, some embodiments may include an automatic asset purchase plan implemented as an automated part of the system to insure that the proper level is maintained.

In still other embodiments, the function of establishing the Compound Redeemable Instruments and the Redemption Instances may be accomplished and managed by the Compound Redemption Processor in accordance with those methods outlined in example of FIG. 6. The operation of this system mandates a communications mechanism between the various entities identified in FIG. 6. This communications mechanism encompasses any and all apparatus for conveying information from one place to another including, for example, wireless communications, wired communications, computer networks, fiber optics, and others.

Referring now to FIGS. 7A and 7B, according to various embodiments of the present invention, execution of orders by issuance, redemption or matching and clearing of buy and sell orders for Compound Redeemable Instruments can be accomplished by processing logic and control commands such as those illustrated in FIGS. 7A and 7B.

FIG. 7A illustrates some exemplary embodiments in the form of a logic flow chart depicting the Instrument Order Processor. Beginning at start 700 in FIG. 7A, the order entry subroutine is detailed. Orders are received at 705 from investors or brokers via access devices such as workports, telephone, telefax, internet or other access devices 805 or network link 970. Orders may consist of market orders (to buy or sell a specific number of a specific Compound Redeemable Instrument at the current market price), limit orders (to buy a specific number of Compound Redeemable Instruments at or below a certain price or to sell a specific number of Compound Redeemable Instruments at or above a certain price) or other kinds of orders.

Data descriptive of buy and sell orders is stored at 710 in a pending order list for each Compound Redeemable Instrument in what is essentially equivalent to a book window in the trading system. In some embodiments, the buy and sell orders are arranged in the book window with the highest bid at the top of one column and the highest offer at the top of another column, with prices listed in descending value. At 715, additional orders may be considered and at 720, the process will finish.

Referring now to FIG. 7B, some exemplary embodiments are illustrated including a Compound Redeemable Instrument trading, issuance and redemption system. As illustrated, the system begins at 750. In a subroutine beginning at 751, pending order lists corresponding to each Compound Redeemable Instrument are individually accessed and searched. At 752, if a buy order for a Compound Redeemable Instrument is matched with an identical sell order for a Compound Redeemable Instrument, those instruments are traded at 753 without the creation or redemption of any additional Compound Redeemable Instruments. Orders can be removed from the pending order list at 754 and processing returns to 752 to search for additional matching orders. When no additional matches are present in the pending order list for the current Compound Redeemable Instrument, the “no” path from 752 is followed and processing loops 755 to the next Compound Redeemable Instrument in the system.

When all matching orders in the system have been processed, logic extends to 756, whereupon the buy orders in the pending order lists for all Compound Redeemable Instruments in the system are together searched to determine whether to form an Instrument Set. An Instrument Set comprises the Compound Redeemable Instruments in a Redemption Instance 200. The sum of the buy orders in the Instrument Set is compared to the acquisition value of the Exchangeable Assets in the Asset Set at 757. If the sum of the buy orders in the Instrument Set exceeds the acquisition value of the Exchangeable Assets in the Asset Set, 757 branches to a processing routine, beginning at 758, for creating new Compound Redeemable Instruments then deletes these buy orders from the pending order list at 758.5, before returning to loop 756 to search for additional Instrument Sets. Alternatively, if the sum of the buy orders in the identified path does not exceed the total value of the path, the path identified in 756 is rejected at test 757 and different path combinations are searched.

The Instrument Set and the Asset Set described above for the creation of Compound Redeemable Instruments assumes equivalent specifications to the Instrument Set and Asset Set specified in the Redemption Instance 200. It is possible that alternative Instrument Set and Asset Set specifications be used for instruments issued and assets deposited compared to those for instruments redeemed and assets withdrawn in order to embed profit spreads or for other reasons.

If no additional Instrument Sets are located in subroutine 756, processing can continue, for example, with a subroutine beginning at 760, whereupon the sell orders in the pending order lists for all Compound Redeemable Instruments in the system are together searched to determine whether to form an Instrument Set. The sum of the sell orders in the Instrument Set is compared to the total disposition value of the Exchangeable Assets in the Asset Set at 761. If the sum of the sell orders in the Instrument Set is less than the disposition value of the Exchangeable Assets in the Redemption Instance 200, 761 branches to a processing routine, beginning at 762, for redeeming Compound Redeemable Instruments then deletes these sell orders from the pending order list at 762.5, before returning to loop 760 to search for additional Instrument Sets. Alternatively, if the sum of the sell orders in the identified path is not less than the total value of the path, the path identified in 760 is rejected at test 761 and different path combinations are searched. When all Instrument Sets are identified, the subroutine ends at 759. Alternatively, the subroutines of FIG. 7B may be performed in a different order, e.g., beginning at 751, 756, or 760 as separate or concurrent subroutines or both.

In some exemplary embodiments, the execution of buy and sell orders may be connected to procedures whereby trade is suspended in unusual market situations similar to circuit breakers of certain exchanges. The execution of buy and sell orders may be limited to certain classes of customers, such as dealers. The execution of the buy and sell orders may also be connected to a market surveillance system, such as those at existing at exchanges, to check for attempts at manipulation or other illegal or otherwise unacceptable trading practices.

Generally, three primary functions may be included in Compound Redemption Processor logic command instructions. Some embodiments of the three functions will be considered in FIGS. 10, 11 and 12 respectively.

Referring now to FIG. 10, in some embodiments, a first function may allow controlled creation of the Redemption Instance by defining parameters of an Instrument Set comprising Compound Redeemable Instruments newly created from scratch or transformed from outstanding Issuer instruments not Compound Redeemable Instruments redeeming for an Asset Set comprising specified Exchangeable Assets.

FIG. 11, in some embodiments, considers a second function to formulate computer files and display forming the foundation for Redemption Instances.

FIG. 12, in some embodiments, considers a third function to include management of Redemption Instances and issuance on a day-to-day basis. In each case, the critical controlling data must be stored in the properly configured database.

The first of these three functions is important, as success in offering requires identifying the appropriate risk categories and structural design for the Redemption Instance. Demand for Compound Redeemable Instruments and associated Exchangeable Assets may be changing all the time.

For example, in some embodiments, investor demand for Compound Redeemable Instruments linked to large capitalization exchange-listed equities may suddenly change to demand linked to small capitalization exchange-listed equities because of changes in market sentiment. In another example, investor demand for Compound Redeemable Instruments with a high ratio of Asset Sets owned by the Issuer compared to Instrument Sets outstanding may be particularly important to investors in times of credit sensitivity, whereas in times of stable markets, an Issuer's credit alone may be sufficient to back potential redemptions of Compound Redeemable Instruments. The system can be designed to allow the creation of new Compound Redeemable Instruments as automatically as possible by a trained representative of the system proprietor operating the Compound Redemption Processor or even possibly by broker clients themselves. If the cost of creating new Compound Redeemable Instruments is kept relatively low, then many more such Compound Redeemable Instruments should ultimately be created.

In some embodiments, the first function can be accomplished in accordance with an exemplary logic flow chart such as the one depicted in FIG. 10. Logic conceptually begins at a “start” position 1000 and continues to 1005 wherein an indicative Redemption Instance under consideration, Instance (I), is entered by the system user.

Instance (I) may include relevant indicative terms of each of the two or more Compound Redeemable Instruments of different classes under consideration including their legal structures whether they be debt, equity, contract or otherwise, their maturity if applicable, their payoff structure, collateral backing, underlying reference indices or other return determinants. It may also include identification of the contemplated Exchangeable Assets for Redemption Instances and specify an indicative number and ratio of Compound Redeemable Instruments comprising the Instrument Set redeeming in exchange for the indicative number and ratio of Exchangeable Assets comprising the Asset Set. The contemplated Exchangeable Assets so identified may include Exchangeable Assets not yet in existence, such as for example ETP shares of an ETP contemplated by the proposed Issuer of the Compound Redeemable Instruments or contemplated by an Issuer that may be affiliated with or not affiliated with the Issuer of the Compound Redeemable Instruments.

The processes involved with CRI issuance and redemption may directly access multiple aspects of the Issuer's Financial Structure, unlike previously known devices, such as Primes and Scores, and Super Fund, which split one aspect.

The system may first test whether or not a Redemption Instance under consideration is new and cannot be approximated by either an existing Redemption Instance; a Redemption Instance already defined; a Redemption Instance with slightly different terms; or by groupings or combinations of thereof.

In an initial run 1010, a CRI system can search over existing Redemption Instances, the possibilities for new Redemption Instances with slightly different terms, or groupings or combinations thereof in order to display the characteristics of the Redemption Instances that may be thus generated.

In some embodiments, another Redemption Instance with slightly different terms may be close enough to that proposed. Some embodiments may therefore include a user that signals that an entered Redemption Instance is not sufficiently new, or if one of the possibilities put forward is satisfactory, logic branches to 1015 and existing records are pulled from a database for the already extant Redemption Instance including the instruments and assets or group thereof comprising the instance, with logic shifted to a separate subroutine 1020.

In some circumstances, such as, for example, in a corporate financing for an operating Issuer, a Redemption Instance that is not otherwise considered sufficiently new still results in a positive response to test 1010.

A positive response to test 1010 branches logic to 1025 wherein the parameters of the Compound Redeemable Instruments and Exchangeable Assets including the numbers and classes of Compound Redeemable Instruments redeeming in exchange for Exchangeable Assets, are specified. Requirements concerning the relative proportion of different classes of Compound Redeemable Instruments permitted to be outstanding can be specified and the instruments can be created. It is contemplated that in certain cases this limitation will correspond to coefficients of redemption for each specified class and in other cases it will not. The requirement for collateral, if any, in the form of Exchangeable Assets or otherwise to back instances of redemption is specified. The system continues to 1030 wherein the database is updated to include the specified information.

At 1035 a CRI system may query concerning a default cycle for reviewing the Redemption Instance for adjustment. A negative response to the query allows custom entry of a controlling cycle at 1050 setting the time interval or other interval determinant between adjustments. A positive response defaults the controlling interval to a system-stored value, 1040 and 1045. This completes the first portion of the processing with logic shifted to the next sequence, 1055.

It is appreciated that a single Issuer can provide for more than one type of Redemption Instance comprising different sets of instruments and assets and apply the above logic running in parallel or staggered to two or more different types of Redemption Instances involving similar or different Compound Redeemable Instruments, Exchangeable Assets, Instrument Sets and Asset Sets compared to other Redemption Instances.

Referring now to FIG. 11, formulation of the Redemption Instance and associated computer files and displays forming the foundation for the Redemption Instance in some embodiments is accomplished by the logic commands shown in FIG. 11. Beginning at 1100, a Process Manager may provide a server running executable software with logic that may first enable the entry of the pending Redemption Instance, Instance(I) 1105. This may include the Instrument Set and Asset Set comprising said Redemption Instance. The software may check whether an Instance is a new Instance at 1110. If it is not a new Instance, the system is directed to a separate subroutine 1115. If it is a new Instance, the logic continues to 1120 wherein the parameters specifying the Redemption Instance are entered. This may include an Instrument Set, coefficient v, Instrument Unit, coefficients r_(1-x), and Compound Redeemable Instruments R_(1-x). It may also include the Asset Set, coefficient u, Asset Unit, coefficients e_(1-d), and Exchangeable Assets E_(1-d).

At 1130 the logic queries whether collateral is required to back the Issuer's redemption obligations under the Redemption Instance. If yes, the Collateral Balance required per Redemption Instance can be entered at 1135. The Collateral may take the form of any type of collateral in any amount specified by the system including Exchangeable Assets or other collateral in an amount less than, equal to or greater than that sufficient to satisfy the requirement of the Issuer to distribute Exchangeable Assets in a Redemption Instance. Implementation is made at 1140 wherein the collateral account is set up. This account may be held and managed by a third party or the Issuer or some combination thereof. The account may be managed actively, passively or not at all. The system checks in 1145 whether custom account parameters are required. If yes, entry occurs in 1150, otherwise default values are entered in 1155.

In addition, the system may generate instructions to maintain at least one account associated with each user. The account may include enumerations of Compound Redeemable Instruments and Instrument Sets and enumerations of the Exchangeable Assets and the Asset Sets. In some embodiments, currency amounts for which the Compound Redeemable Instruments may be redeemed and created may also be tracked and maintained. The system may maintain the at least one account for a user. In preferred embodiments, the one or more accounts for a user are maintained on an ongoing basis.

As previously described, the system may include a communications link between various participants and governing institutions. A book window is created at 1160 for traders on the trading system, indicating the initial Instrument Set comprising Compound Redeemable Instruments redeeming in exchange for the initial Asset Set comprising Exchangeable Assets even though no instruments yet exist. As such, in some exemplary embodiments, customers may place orders that will appear on the book window. To create a first Instrument Set, a CRI trading system may first identify an Instrument Set whose offer price equals (or exceeds) the offer price of the Asset Set unless the Issuer is willing to risk potential losses by allowing for the creation of Instruments for less than their redemption cost. Unless an Issuer creates a first Instrument Set by transforming outstanding instruments that are not Compound Redeemable Instruments into Compound Redeemable Instruments, when an Instrument Set is first created the Issuer must be notified with the transfer of funds or assets in payment of said Instrument Set. This is the case unless funds or assets are to be transferred to a repository other than the Issuer such as a bank, or similar repository of capital, in which case creation of the Instrument Set is specified in advance. Thereafter, the system can fill orders both by exchanging existing Compound Redeemable Instruments and by finding Instrument Sets among orders 1165. During the routine operation of the system, the system proprietor will be directly responsible for calculating and updating the parameters comprising the Redemption Instance and administering the Collateral Account. The Issuer is appraised in 1170.

Returning to FIG. 11 after the database is updated with current (and new) Redemption Instance specifications logic queries on the next Instance value (I+1) at 1175; if another batch is ready, logic continues to the beginning and the process is repeated for the next in series. If no batch is ready processing ends at 1180.

Referring now to FIG. 12, in some embodiments, day-to-day operation of a CRI system can include analysis of a variety of time-varying inputs and selective calculation of a number of distinct variables to allow operation of the process of Compound Redemption. A number and proportion of Compound Redeemable Instruments redeeming in exchange for a number and proportion of Exchangeable Assets is processed by the system in the Redemption Instance as previously illustrated in FIG. 2. In FIG. 12, several of the operations and routine procedures enabling the Redemption Instance are depicted as examples of system processing, recognizing that many other variables are tracked in like fashion and many other variations of the system are possible.

Beginning with 1200, logic in FIG. 12 first inputs the current date, date(T), and enters this into the process at 1205. The file for the current Instrument Unit is recalled and read in 1210. The event date for a change in any of the instruments comprising the Instrument Unit is compared to the present date to determine if the current date is an event date for adjusting the Instrument Unit. A positive response to test 1215 reflects the match of dates causing logic of the system to recall the proportion of Compound Redeemable Instruments R_(1-x) according to coefficients r_(1-x) comprising the current Instrument Unit FIG. 2 202 in 1220. A determination is made in 1225 as to whether the Instrument Unit requires rebalancing to reflect changes, if any, in its composition for reasons of operation of the instruments such as corporate actions, maturity events, or distributions affecting Compound Redeemable Instruments, legal or regulatory requirements or marketing reasons. For example, a 2:1 split in common equity Compound Redeemable Instruments may result in double the number of shares after the Instrument Unit adjustment. In the event that the determination calls for rebalancing, the database is updated in 1230 accordingly to reflect the new composition of the Instrument Unit.

Continuing, the system can recall and read the file for the current Asset Unit in 1235. The event date is compared to the present date to determine if the current date is an event date for adjusting the Asset Unit. A positive response to test 1240 reflects the match of dates causing logic of the system to recall the proportion of Exchangeable Assets E_(1-d) according to coefficients e_(1-d) comprising the current Asset Unit FIG. 2 205 in 1245. A determination is made in 1250 as to whether the Asset Unit requires rebalancing to reflect changes, if any, in its composition for reasons such as the loss or changes in Exchangeable Assets held or referenced, operation of financial assets such as corporate actions or others, legal or regulatory requirements or marketing reasons. For example, a loss of half an Exchangeable Asset held by the Issuer due to theft may result in half the amount of such asset after the Asset Unit adjustment, assuming the Issuer was able to pass through such loss. In the event that the determination calls for rebalancing, the database may be updated in 1255 accordingly to reflect the new composition of the Asset Unit.

Continuing with the example, a CRI system may recall and read the file for the current Redemption Ratio in 1260. The event date is compared to the present date to determine if the current date is an event date for adjusting the Redemption Ratio. A positive response to test 1265 reflects the match of dates causing logic of the system to recall the multipliers v for example, as illustrated in FIG. 2 at 203 and u in FIG. 2 at 206 comprising the Redemption Ratio in 1270.

A determination may be made in 1275 as to whether the Redemption Ratio requires recalculation to reflect any changes in the coefficients determining the Redemption Ratio for reasons such as income and expenses assessed by the system. For example, income attributable to Exchangeable Assets held by an Issuer might be used by the system to increase the number of Asset Units or decrease the number of Instrument Units in a Redemption Instance.

In another example, in some embodiments, expenses of an Issuer can be calculated by a CRI system to increase a number of Instrument Units or decrease a number of Asset Units in a Redemption Instance. In the event that a determination calls for recalculation, the database can be updated in 1280 to reflect the new Redemption Ratio. The entire process can be repeated for the next Redemption Instance by incrementing Instance variable “I” in 1285 and continuing the process in 1290.

Apparatus

Referring now to FIG. 8, exemplary apparatus with which the present invention may be implemented is presented in block form, generally highlighting the components of a computer system adapted and configured for implementing the innovative aspects discussed herein. In some embodiments, a computer system can include a central processor (CPU) 800 linked to a main database 801.

The main database includes archival data associated with the various instruments, customers and assets, and allows proper manipulation of the underlying parameters in accordance with system logic. The database structure is outlined in detail in the database structure section below. The logic controlling the system operation may be stored in discrete memory 802.

A user interface may be presented on the display 803. The user interface includes one or both of human readable graphics and text which represent data included in one or both of the main database 801 and the discrete memory.

One aspect of the foregoing system involves the input of information into the apparatus that may affect or determine the price of Compound Redeemable Instruments such as information concerning the terms, issuance, redemption and management of Compound Redeemable Instruments. Accordingly, the system apparatus includes at least one communication link 804 to a network for proper controlled communication to various institutions, investors or other participants involved in CRI instruments. Such participants utilize access devices 805 such as workstations located at remote locations, but in communication with the system. It is expected that one or more of the Issuers, the depositor, the reference information provider(s), the brokers handling transactions with investors, the investors themselves and others, will each respectively communicate with a CRI System proprietor.

System apparatus can include digital electronic circuitry included within computer hardware, firmware, software, or in combinations thereof. Additionally, aspects of the invention can be implemented manually. Apparatus of the invention can be implemented in a computer program product tangibly embodied in a machine-readable storage device for execution by a programmable processor and method actions can be performed by a programmable processor executing a program of instructions to perform functions of the invention by operating on input data and generating output. The present invention may be implemented advantageously in one or more computer programs that are executable on a programmable system including at least one programmable processor coupled to receive data and instructions from, and to transmit data and instructions to, a data storage system, at least one input device, and at least one output device. Each computer program can be implemented in a high-level procedural or object oriented programming language, or in assembly or machine language if desired, and in any case, the language can be a compiled or interpreted language. Suitable processors include, by way of example, both general and special purpose microprocessors.

Generally, a processor will receive instructions and data from a read-only memory and/or a random access memory. Generally, a computer will include one or more mass storage devices for storing data files; such devices include magnetic disks, such as internal hard disks and removable disks magneto-optical disks and optical disks. Storage devices suitable for tangibly embodying computer program instructions and data include all forms of non-volatile memory, including, by way of example, semiconductor memory devices, such as EPROM, EEPROM, and flash memory devices; magnetic disks such as, internal hard disks and removable disks; magneto-optical disks; and CD_ROM disks. Any of the foregoing can be supplemented by, or incorporated in, ASICs (application-specific integrated circuits).

In some embodiments, implementation of the features of the present invention is accomplished via digital computer utilizing uniquely defined controlling logic, wherein the computer system includes an integrated network between and among the various participants in Compound Redeemable Instruments.

The specific hardware configuration used is not particularly critical, as long as the processing power is adequate in terms of memory, information updating, order execution, redemption and issuance. Any number of commercially available database engines may allow for substantial account coverage and expansion. The controlling logic uses a language and compiler consistent with that on the CPU 800. These selections will be set according to per se well-known conventions in the software community.

Referring now to FIG. 9, additional aspects of computer hardware useful for implementing the present invention are illustrated as a block diagram that includes a computer system 950 upon which an embodiment of the invention may be implemented. Computer system 950 includes a bus 952 or other communication mechanism for communicating information, and a processor 954 coupled with bus 952 for processing information. Computer system 950 also includes a main memory 956, such as a random access memory (RAM) or other dynamic storage device, coupled to bus 952 for storing information and instructions to be executed by processor 954. Main memory 956 may also be used for storing temporary variables or other intermediate information during execution of instructions to be executed by processor 954. Computer system 950 further includes a read only memory (ROM) 958 or other static storage device 960, such as a magnetic disk or optical disk, may be provided and coupled to bus 952 for storing information and instructions.

Computer system 950 may be coupled via bus 952 to a display 962, such as a cathode ray tube (CRT) or liquid crystal display (LCD), for displaying information to a computer user. An input device 964, including alphanumeric and other keys, may be coupled to bus 952 for communicating information and command selections to processor 954. Another type of user input device is cursor control 966, such as a mouse, a trackball, a touchpad, or cursor direction keys for communicating direction information and command selections to processor 954 and for controlling cursor movement on display 962. This input device typically has two degrees of freedom in two axes, a first axis (e.g., x) and a second axis (e.g., y), that allows the device to specify positions in a plane.

Embodiments of the invention are related to the use of computer system 950 for Compound Redeemable Instruments. According to one embodiment of the invention, Compound Redeemable Instruments are defined and managed by computer system 950 in response to processor 954 executing one or more sequences of one or more instructions contained in main memory 956. Such instructions may be read into main memory 956 from another computer-readable medium, such as storage device 960. Execution of the sequences of instructions contained in main memory 956 causes processor 954 to perform the process steps described herein. In alternative embodiments, hard-wired circuitry may be used in place of or in combination with software instructions to implement the invention. Thus, embodiments of the invention are not limited to any specific combination of hardware circuitry and software.

The term “computer-readable medium” as used herein refers to any medium that participates in providing instructions to processor 954 for execution. Such a medium may take many forms, including but not limited to, non-volatile media, volatile media, and transmission media. Non-volatile media includes, for example, optical or magnetic disks, such as storage device 960. Volatile media includes dynamic memory, such as main memory 956. Transmission media includes coaxial cables, copper wire and fiber optics, including the wires that comprise bus 952. Transmission media can also take the form of acoustic or light waves, such as those generated during radio wave and infrared data communications.

Common forms of computer-readable media include, for example, a floppy disk, a flexible disk, hard disk, magnetic tape, or any other magnetic medium, a CD-ROM, any other optical medium, punch cards, paper tape, any other physical medium with patterns of holes, a RAM, a PROM, and EPROM, a FLASH-EPROM, any other memory chip or cartridge, a carrier wave as described hereinafter, or any other medium from which a computer can read.

Various forms of computer readable media may be involved in carrying one or more sequences of one or more instructions to processor 954 for execution. For example, the instructions may initially be carried on a magnetic disk of a remote computer. The remote computer can load the instructions into its dynamic memory and send the instructions over a telephone line using a modem. A modem local to computer system 950 can receive the data on the telephone line and use an infrared transmitter to convert the data to an infrared signal. An infrared detector can receive the data carried in the infrared signal and appropriate circuitry can place the data on bus 952. Bus 952 carries the data to main memory 956, from which processor 954 retrieves and executes the instructions. The instructions received by main memory 956 may optionally be stored on storage device 960 either before or after execution by processor 954.

Computer system 950 also includes a communication interface 969 coupled to bus 952. Communication interface 969 provides a two-way data communication coupling to a network link 970 that may be connected to a local network 972. For example, communication interface 969 may be an integrated services digital network (ISDN) card or a modem a data communication connection to a corresponding type of telephone line. As another example, communication interface 969 may be a local area network (LAN) card a data communication connection to a compatible LAN. Wireless links may also be implemented. In any such implementation, communication interface 969 sends and receives signals, such as electrical, electromagnetic or optical signals that carry digital data streams representing various types of information.

Network link 970 typically provides data communication through one or more networks to other data devices. For example, network link 970 provides a connection through local network 972 to a host computer 974 or to data equipment operated by an Internet Service Provider (ISP) 976. ISP 976 in turn provides data communication services through the worldwide packet data communication network now commonly referred to as the “Internet” 979. Local network 972 and Internet 979 both use electrical, electromagnetic or optical signals that carry digital data streams. The signals through the various networks and the signals on the network link 970 and through communication interface 969, which carry the digital data to and from computer system 950 are exemplary forms of carrier waves transporting the information.

Computer system 950 can send messages and receive data, including program code, through the network(s), network link 970 and communication interface 969. In the Internet example, a server 990 might transmit a requested code for an application program through Internet 979, ISP 976, local network 972 and communication interface 969. In accordance with the invention, one such downloaded application provides for values of Exchangeable Assets upon redemption of Compound Redeemable Instruments as described herein. Another such downloaded application provides for the net asset value of assets underlying Ordinary Redeemable Instruments which are Exchangeable Assets upon redemption of Compound Redeemable Instruments as described herein.

Processor 954 may execute the received code as it is received, and/or stored in storage device 960, or other non-volatile storage for later execution. In this manner, computer system 950 may obtain application code in the form of a carrier wave.

An alternative configuration involves, instead of access device 805 as a workstation linked by windows, an Internet web site allowing trade directly over the Internet. Use of the system may still be restricted to brokers, if that were to be the objective, by suitable password procedures.

Access devices 805 may therefore include any device capable of interacting with computer system 950 or other service provider. Some exemplary devices may include, a personal digital assistant, a mobile phone, a netbook, a notebook computer, a laptop computer, a terminal, a kiosk or other type of automated apparatus. Additional exemplary devices may include any device with a processor executing programmable commands to accomplish the steps described herein.

EXAMPLES

It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that numerous embodiments of Compound Redeemable Instruments and Exchangeable Assets are possible. Included herein are only some examples of various embodiments illustrating different aspects of the present invention including: derivative on illiquid underlying including arbitrage; Ordinary Redeemable Instrument in compound redemption; synthetic short stock position; collateralized bond obligation; securitized prime brokerage, and operating Issuer.

Referring now to FIG. 13, a spreadsheet illustrates some exemplary events and calculations of an Instrument Set 1303 and Asset Set 1304 resulting from associated changes in one or more coefficients and multipliers determining them as they relate to Sequential Events 1305. The Instrument Set 1303 includes one or more Instruments 1301 and the Asset Set 1304 includes one or more Assets 1302. Examples may include calculations for relative and absolute numbers of Compound Redeemable Instruments and Exchangeable Assets comprising the instances of Compound Redemption which can be implemented in the form of method steps on automated apparatus, such as a Compound Redemption Processor. It is appreciated that in various embodiments certain events may be treated in a variety of different ways. For example, the payment of expenses or the attribution of income may be embedded in the terms of a Compound Redeemable Instrument such as a warrant referencing an index that is adjusted for such expenses paid or income attributed.

Referring now to FIG. 14, a table 1400 includes a list of exemplary Compound Redeemable Instruments 1401 and a corresponding exemplary Exchangeable Assets 1402. It is pointed out that the table 1400 illustrates how Financial Instruments 1403 included in the CRI portion of the table 1401 and additional Financial Instruments and assets 1404 making up the correlating EA 1402 are from different classes in each example. It is also pointed out that in each case the CRIs 1401 include Financial Instruments 1403 of more than one class. More specifically, the examples include: a CRI equity share and a CRI bond which correlate with an EA of an ounce of gold; a CRI unit and a CRI contract with an EA of a U.S. Treasury Bond; a CRI unit and a CRI contract with an EA of an equity share in a first corporation ABC and an EA of an equity share in a second corporation DEF; a CRI senior bond, two CRI junior bonds and a CRI share with correlating EAs comprising 0.2% of a market bond portfolio; two CRI units and seven CRI notes with correlating EAs comprising 0.1% of fund assets; one CRI common share and one CRI preferred share with correlating EAs of ten EA Widgets and five EA Product Y's; one Issuer A long index-linked ETN and one Issuer A short index-linked ETN redeeming for one Issuer A straight coupon bond; one CRI ETF share and 1.1 CRI Contracts redeeming for 0.000005% of fund cash collateral; one CRI contract A and one CRI contract B with correlating EA comprising one ETF share; one CRI ETN A and one CRI ETN B with correlating EA comprising one ETP unit; one CRI LP unit A and one CRI LP unit B with correlating EA comprising one LP unit C. Numerous other Compound Redeemable Instruments and correlating Exchangeable Assets are also within the scope of the present invention.

Referring now to FIG. 15, in the case of a derivative referencing illiquid underlying, at 1501 CRIs include instruments of two or more different classes, such as, for example, one or more derivative contracts referencing climate and one or more trust units. A Special Purpose Vehicle (sometimes referred to as a “SPV”) Issuer 1502 may issue the CRIs with a guarantee of redemption for EA 1503, such as, as shown, one ounce of gold. At 1504, a table is included which illustrates a relative value of the CRIs and the EA at three different time periods. As illustrated, the arbitrage amount may be negative or positive during different periods. For simplicity, a bid-offer spread is not incorporated in the illustration.

Referring now to FIG. 15A, in the case of a portfolio redeeming, CRI Issuer 1556 issues CRI 1 1551 and CRI 2 1552 jointly redeeming for EA 1 Portfolio X 1553 the same Portfolio X 1554 redeeming in the conventional redemption of ORI 1 1555 by ORI Issuer 1557 the same Issuer, an affiliated Issuer or an unaffiliated Issuer as CRI Issuer 1556.

In one example, CRI issuer 1556 and ORI Issuer 1557 are the same ETF issuing derivative CRI 1 1551 and disparate derivative CRI 2 1552 jointly redeeming for Exchangeable Assets EA 1: Portfolio X 1553 the same assets as Convention Assets Portfolio X 1554 conventionally redeeming for equity share ORI 1 1555.

In another example, CRI Issuer 1556 and ORI Issuer 1557 are unrelated ETF issuers where partnership interest CRI 1 1551 and disparate partnership interest CRI 2 1552 of partnership ETF CRI Issuer 1556 redeem jointly for EA 1: ORI 1 Portfolio X 1553 the same assets as Conventional Assets Portfolio X 1554 distributed in the conventional redemption of equity share ORI 1 1554 of corporation ORI Issuer 1557 unrelated to CRI Issuer 1556.

At 1558, a table is included which illustrates compound creation and redemption of CRIs considering relative prices of CRIs compared to EAs, and which illustrates conventional creation and redemption of ETF shares considering relative prices of ETF shares compared to a percentage of portfolio assets. For simplicity, a bid-offer spread is not incorporated in the illustration.

Referring now to FIG. 16, an example of CRIs 1601 including a synthetic short stock position. In this example, one hundred CRI ABC forwards issued by the SPV Issuer and one hundred CRI short units being equity units issued by the SPV Issuer 1602 correlate with one EA XYZ bonds, each of SPV, ABC and XYZ being disparate Issuers. It is pointed out that the Financial Instruments comprising the CRIs that are ABC forwards and the CRIs that are short units are of disparate classes. It is also pointed out that the Financial Instruments included in the EAs 1603 being bonds of Issuer XYZ are of disparate classes than the CRIs. It is noted that at least two CRIs in an instance of Compound Redemption will be of different classes from each other. At 1604 a table of exemplary pricing is included with zero arbitrage. For simplicity, a bid-offer spread is not incorporated in the illustration.

Referring now to FIG. 17, an example that includes a collateralized bond obligation is illustrated. In this example, CRIs 1701 includes multiple bond type Financial Instruments and an equity type Financial Instrument, including: a senior bond, three senior subordinated bonds, a mezzanine bond, two subordinate bonds and one equity unit. An SPV Issuer 1702 of the CRIs may offer correlating EAs 1703 which include specified junk bonds which may be described as a fraction of a referenced junk bond portfolio that may be held by a third party or the SPV or not held.

FIG. 18 illustrates another example, this one directed towards a securitized prime brokerage scenario. As illustrated, CRIs 1801 may include investor debt and investor equity of a hedge fund Issuer 1802 providing for correlating EAs 1803 which include a percentage of its investment portfolio.

Referring now to FIG. 19, still another example illustrates an operating Issuer 1902 with CRIs 1901 that include a bond, described therein as an ABC bond, two shares of ABC preferred stock and ten shares of ABC common stock. The operating Issuer 1902 may provide EAs 1903 which include one or more of collateralized and uncollateralized assets of ABC which may include its own securities, products and services, among others.

FIG. 20 shows a network of computerized devices 2001-2007 and 2031-2033 that may be used in an implementation of an automated system for facilitating investment in Compound Redeemable Instruments. The network 2000 includes a compound redeemable server 2031 or other host system and one or more network access devices 2001-2006, such as a personal computer, laptop, personal digital assistant, handheld computer or other wireless device, or other device that provides access to a resource available on a distributed network. Each of the network access devices can include a processor, memory, a user input device, such as a keyboard and/or mouse, and a user output device, such as a video display and/or printer. The network access devices 2001-2006 can communicate with the compound redeemable server 2031 to obtain data stored at the compound redeemable server 2031. The network access device 2001-2006 may interact with the compound redeemable server 2031 as if the compound redeemable server 2031 was a single entity in the network 2000. However, the compound redeemable server 2031 may include multiple processing and database sub-systems, such as cooperative or redundant processing and/or an additional server 2032 that can be geographically dispersed throughout the network 2020. In addition, there may be more than one occurrence of a host server 2031. In some implementations, groups 2070 of network access devices 2004-2006 which may be networked in a Local Area Network 2010 may communicate with compound redeemable server 2031 through a co-host server 2007. The co-host server 2007 may be a proxy server or a caching server.

The compound redeemable server 2031 includes one or more databases 2045 which may, by way of example, store data relating to any aspect Compound Redemption, including, by way of non-limiting example: Compound Redeemable Instruments, Asset Sets, and Instrument Sets. The database 2045 may include a relational database, a hierarchical database or any other structure.

A large variety of investment related materials may be stored at the Compound Redeemable Server 2031, for example, text, data, charts, audio, video, graphics, animations, and illustrations. In addition, the Compound Redeemable Server 2031 may interact with, and gather data from a user at a network access device 2001-2006 or a trading information data stream. Data gathered from the user may be used to provide suggested investments for that user.

A user can access the compound redeemable server 2031 using client software executed at the user's computer 2001-2006. The client software may include a generic hypertext markup language (HTML) browser, such as Google Chrome or Microsoft Internet Explorer, (a “WEB browser”). The client software may also be a proprietary browser, and/or other host access software. In some cases, an executable program, such as a Java™ program, may be downloaded from the compound redeemable server 2031 to the network access device and executed at the network access device.

The compound redeemable server 2031 may receive multiple forms of data as input. For example, the compound redeemable server 2031 may receive data descriptive of a an Instrument Set, an Asset Set, Compound Redemption trends, market data, demographic data, financial data or other related information. Data can be received as text input into fields on a form presented on a GUI, or received via an electronic data feed, such as from an exchange feed, government agency, news feed or commercial data provider such as Bloomberg. Received data can be structured and organized into a format conducive to referencing, such as a database table.

A compound redeemable server 2031 may also be linked to a trading exchange 2033 either through the network 2020 or through a direct link or data pipe 2034. Trade executions or clearing functions can be transmitted back and forth between the compound redeemable server 2031 and a front or back end system in the trading exchange. Trades can be cleared via a software program running on the compound redeemable server 2031, through the trading exchange, or through a third party clearinghouse.

The invention may be implemented in digital electronic circuitry, or in computer hardware, firmware, software, or in combinations of them. Apparatus of the invention may be implemented in a computer program product tangibly embodied in a machine-readable storage device for execution by a programmable processor; and method steps of the invention may be performed by a programmable processor executing a program of instructions to perform functions of the invention by operating on input data and generating output. Preferably the invention will be implemented in one or more computer programs that are executable on a programmable system including at least one programmable processor coupled to receive data and instructions from, and to transmit data and instructions to, a data storage system, at least one input device, and at least one output device. Each computer program may be implemented in a high-level procedural or object-oriented programming language, or in assembly or machine language if desired; and in any case, the language may be a compiled or interpreted language. Suitable processors include, by way of example, both general and special purpose microprocessors.

Computers 2001-2007 2031-2033, in a network utilized to form a compound redeemable investment and redemption system may be connected to each other by one or more network interconnection technologies. For example Ethernet networks, T1 lines, asynchronous transfer mode links, wireless links, cable modems and integrated service digital network (ISDN) connections may all be combined in the communications network. Other packet network and point-to-point interconnection technologies may also be used. Additionally, the functions associated with separate processing and database servers in the compound redeemable server 2031 may be integrated into a single server system or may be partitioned among servers and database systems that are distributed over a wide geographic area.

In another aspect of the present invention, the following data fields may be included by way of an exemplary arrangement of fields that may be included in a database useful for implementing some aspects of the present invention. The database, may, for example, have data populated and extracted via executable code running on a Compound Redeemable Instrument

In another aspect of the present invention, the following functions of a Compound Redemption Processor are included herein by way of an exemplary arrangement of functions that may be ordered by participants for implementing various aspects of the present invention. The functions, may, for example, be ordered by a system proprietor, brokers or investors and may link to data populated and extracted via executable code running on a Compound Redemption Processor.

Exemplary Functions of Compound Redemption Processor

-   1. Functions Ordered by System Proprietor -   Add Instrument Data     -   Load new Compound Redeemable Instruments into a Record Database     -   Fill in other Fields of an Instrument Record -   Update Instrument Terms (run daily) -   For Each Instrument:     -   Is Terms Update Due Today?     -   If Yes:         -   Update Instrument Terms         -   Fill in Next Update Date     -   Update Number Outstanding (run daily)     -   Add Instrument Unit Data         -   Load New Instrument Unit into Record Database         -   Fill in other Fields of Instrument Unit     -   Update r_(x) Coefficients (run daily)     -   Add Instrument Set Data         -   Load New Instrument Set into Record Database         -   Fill in other Fields of Instrument Set into Record Database     -   Update v Multiplier (run daily)     -   Update Number Outstanding (run daily)     -   Add Exchangeable Asset Data         -   Load new Exchangeable Assets into Record Database         -   Fill in other Fields of Exchangeable Assets into Record             Database     -   Update Exchangeable Asset Terms (run daily)     -   For Each Exchangeable Asset:         -   Is Terms Update Due Today?     -   If Yes:         -   Update Exchangeable Asset Terms         -   Fill in Next Update Date -   Update Number Owned By Issuer (run daily) -   Add Asset Unit Data     -   Load New Asset Unit into Record Database     -   Fill in other Fields of Asset Unit -   Update e_(d) Coefficients (run daily) -   Add Asset Set Data     -   Load New Asset Set into Record Database     -   Fill in other Fields of Asset Set into Record Database -   Update u Multiplier (run daily) -   Update Number Owned By Issuer (run daily) -   Add Redemption Instance Data     -   Load New Instance into Record Database     -   Fill in other Fields of Instance -   Update Number of Redemption Instances (run daily) -   2. Functions Ordered by Brokers -   Process, Buy Or Sell (run when order comes in) -   Receive Transaction Request and Enter into Database -   Display Order on Screen with Other Unfilled Orders -   Display Historical Instrument Prices -   Display Historical Asset Prices -   Calculate and Display Historical Instrument Set Prices -   Calculate and Display Historical Asset Set Prices -   Search for Current Buy and Sell Orders of Same Instrument -   Identify Matches in Limit Orders and Numbers of Instruments     -   If found Execute Orders Exchanging Existing Instruments     -   If None Found Combine with same type Orders (e.g. buys for same         Instrument)     -   If a Bid for an Instrument     -   Search for Instrument Set Among Bids     -   If Total Bid Prices in Instrument Set>=Price of Asset Set*     -   Then:     -   Issue Instrument Set     -   Create or Update Instrument Holder Records     -   Create Transaction Record     -   Create Issuance Record     -   Update Instrument Record     -   Update Instrument Set Record     -   Deposit Asset Set if Required or if Hedging     -   Update Asset Record     -   Update Asset Set Record     -   Update Issuance Record     -   Update Instrument Creation History     -   If an Offer to Sell an Instrument     -   Search for Instrument Set Among Offers     -   If Total Offer Prices in Instrument Set<=Price of Asset Set**     -   Then:     -   Redeem Instrument Set     -   Update Instrument Holder Record     -   Create Transaction Record     -   Create Redemption Record     -   Update Instrument Record     -   Update Instrument Set Record     -   Withdraw Asset Set if Required or if Hedging     -   Update Asset Record     -   Update Asset Set Record     -   Update Instrument Redemption History     -   Provide for Electronic Trading System     -   Order Processing and Confirmation     -   Provide Information for Book Window for Trading Screen -   3. Functions Ordered by Investors (Informational Web Site): -   View Outstanding Limit Orders (Book Window) -   View Compound Redeemable Instruments     -   Instrument Class     -   Instrument Terms     -   Number Outstanding -   View Exchangeable Assets     -   Asset Type     -   Asset Terms     -   Number Outstanding -   View Redemption Instance     -   Instrument Unit Coefficients     -   Instrument Set Multiplier     -   Asset Unit Coefficients     -   Asset Unit Multiplier -   View Historical Instance Changes -   View Instrument Excesses -   View Asset Underages -   View Asset Sets Owned to Instrument Sets Issued Ratio -   *for Asset Set comprising Ordinary Redeemable Instruments may use     Creation Value (NAV plus cost) if less than Price -   ** for Asset Set comprising Ordinary Redeemable Instruments may use     Redemption Value (NAV plus cost) if greater than Price

Following now is a discussion including more detail relating to examples which exemplify some embodiments of the present invention. The discussion is meant to be illustrative and not limiting in character.

In some embodiments, an Issuer may be a legal entity such as a trust issuing two classes of Compound Redeemable Instruments in a private placement exempt from registration under the 1933 Act. The Compound Redeemable Instruments may be resold in accordance with Rule 144A. Generally, Rule 144A permits the resale of certain unregistered securities to Qualified Institutional Buyers without requiring registration under the 1933 Act. The CRIs are traded on the NASDAQ PORTAL Alliance system or other similar private services enabling a certain amount of liquidity among institutional buyers without listing on a national exchange or registering under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and rely on Section 3(c)(7) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 which provides an exemption from its provisions for Qualified Purchasers.

One class may comprise derivative contracts of a single type and another class may comprise units of trust equity of a single type. In exchange for issuing the contracts and the units, the trust deposits Exchangeable Assets comprising bonds of an unaffiliated Issuer. The instruments redeem as an Instrument Set. Each Instrument Set including ten Instrument Units each Instrument Unit including one contract and one unit of trust equity redeeming in exchange for assets exchanging as an Asset Set each including one Asset Unit comprising one bond or the cash equivalent thereof.

Conversely, instruments issue as an Instrument Set each comprising ten Instrument Units each comprising one said contract and one said unit issuing in exchange for the deposit of assets as Asset Sets each comprising one Asset Unit each comprising one said bond or the cash equivalent thereof. Redemptions and issuances take place through a Depositor charging a fee. Said contracts and units own and trade separately until redeemed or maturing in the case of said contract. Redeeming instruments may be retained, extinguished or reissued by the Issuer.

Contracts may include terms selected from a broad universe of terms including virtually any payoff formulation and underlying reference either singly or in combination including those that may or may not be possible to buy, hold, sell or otherwise invest in either directly or indirectly. Examples of such payoff formulations include any linear, exponential, digital or other mathematical formulation. Examples of such underlying references may include any flow, claim, return, price, level, outcome, statistical result, event or other measurable effect. Units represent a residual value in the trust Issuer after all expenses of the trust and the payments due under the terms of the contract.

As a result, amounts payable under said unit and said contract may vary inversely to each other and may be limited in aggregate by the value of the bonds. In the event that the terms of the contract are not self-limiting, its payout may equal or exceed the corresponding value of said bonds such that the value of the said units would be driven to zero.

In some embodiments, the present invention provides benefits of a derivative contract with additional liquidity and transparency and without the counter-party risk, hedging limitations, and costs associated with traditional dealer offerings, among others. This distinguishes over other products which do not offer the ability to jointly redeem instruments of a plurality of different classes of interests to accomplish such benefits.

In furtherance of the preceding specific exemplary embodiment, the terms of the contract provide for payment of an amount on the maturity date of the contract two years hence equal to the price one week prior to the maturity date of a single share of stock listed on a nationally recognized stock exchange. As the price of the stock increases the contract becomes more valuable reflecting its likely increased payoff amount on the maturity date. Because the trust owns bonds that pay a fixed amount, the anticipated residual value available to units reduces as the payoff on the contract increases. As a result, the equity unit resembles a short position in the stock increasing in value as the stock declines and decreasing in value as the stock increases. Unlike an actual short position in the stock, the holder of the unit cannot lose more than the cost of the unit. Compared to traditional means for shorting stock, the system provides a more efficient less cumbersome alternative eliminating the need to locate, borrow and sell shares thereby eliminating the costs, inefficiencies and risks associated with locating stock, borrowing stock, losing the ability to borrow stock, selling shares, repurchasing shares, paying stock lending intermediaries, stock borrow fees and fees associated with posting and managing collateral, among others. In addition, compared to selling a single stock futures the unit is appealing as a cash instrument with a limited downside unlike a single stock futures position where the potential loss is unlimited.

In furtherance of the preceding specific exemplary embodiment, the contract may be based on climate measurements or the performance of a sports team.

In another specific exemplary embodiment, a newly formed ETF issues one class of shares in a public offering subject to the Securities Act of 1933 Act, the Investment Company Act of 1940 Act and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Contemporaneously, the ETF or an affiliate, such as a depositary account or custodial arrangement, issues Compound Redeemable Instruments of disparate classes jointly redeeming for Exchangeable Assets comprising the ETF shares. In one example, a first disparate class receives dividend payments based on a stock portfolio held by the ETF and a second disparate class receives payments based on the residual value of the stock portfolio. In another example, a first disparate class receives payments based on the best performing shares in a stock portfolio held by the ETF, a second disparate class receives payments based on the worst performing shares in the portfolio and a third disparate class receives payments based on the average performance of the shares in the portfolio. In another example, a first disparate class receives positively leveraged payments based on the performance of a bond portfolio held by the ETF, and a second disparate class receives negatively leveraged payments based on the performance of the bond portfolio. In still another example, a first disparate class receives payments based on the positive return of a real estate index not held by an ETF invested in fixed income and equity securities, and a second disparate class receives payments based on the negative return of the real estate index.

In another specific exemplary embodiment, a newly formed Issuer is a corporation issuing four classes of Compound Redeemable Instruments in a private placement exempt from registration under the 1933 Act. The Compound Redeemable Instruments may be resold in accordance with Rule 144A permitting the resale of certain unregistered securities to qualified institutional buyers without requiring registration under the 1933 Act, are traded on the NASDAQ PORTAL Alliance system enabling a certain amount of liquidity among institutional buyers without listing on a national exchange or registering under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and rely on Section 3(c)(7) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 which provides an exemption from its provisions for Qualified Purchasers. Three classes comprise bonds with terms separate and distinct from each other class and another class comprises equity shares of the Issuer. In exchange for issuing the bonds and the shares the corporation deposits Exchangeable Assets comprising a pool of notes backed by similar residential real estate mortgages on units in a condominium development.

The instruments may redeem as an Instrument Set each comprising 2 Instrument Units each comprising four hundred of the bonds of one class, three hundred of the bonds of another class, two hundred of the bonds of another class and one hundred of the shares in exchange for assets exchanging as an Asset Set each comprising 1 Asset Unit comprising two said mortgages. Conversely, instruments issue as an Instrument Set each comprising 2 Instrument Units each comprising four hundred of the bonds of one class, three hundred of the bonds of another class, two hundred of the bonds of another class and one hundred of the shares issuing in exchange for the deposit of assets as an Asset Set each comprising one Asset Unit each comprising two said mortgages.

Redemption and issuance takes place directly with an Issuer charging a fee. The bonds and the shares own and trade separately until redeemed or maturing in the case of said bonds. Redeeming instruments may be retained, extinguished or reissued by the Issuer. The bonds of each class of bonds comprise terms selected from a broad universe of terms including virtually any combination of interest payments, interest payment dates, maturity dates, seniority, and others, one or more of which are different compared to bonds of each other class. The share represents the residual value in the company after all expenses of the company and the payments due under the terms of the bonds. The bonds provide security of terms in their seniority to each other and to the shares. The shares benefit from unlimited upside leveraged by the bonds. The system provides the benefits of more efficient leverage resulting from increased liquidity and transparency of Compound Redeemable Instruments compared to other instruments not Compound Redeemable Instruments.

In furtherance of the preceding exemplary embodiment, the Issuer is an existing corporation with additional outstanding instruments that are not Compound Redeemable Instruments.

In another specific exemplary embodiment, the financial structure of an existing publicly registered corporate Issuer comprises one class of publicly listed thinly traded shares and one class of illiquid bonds neither being Compound Redeemable Instruments. Subsequently, said Issuer converts said classes including all outstanding and future issues of each into Compound Redeemable Instruments redeeming in exchange for Exchangeable Assets comprising readily marketable widgets of said Issuer's manufacture. Said Compound Redeemable Instruments redeem as an Instrument Set each comprising 3 Instrument Units each comprising 11 shares and 1 bond exchanging for an Asset Set each comprising one Asset Unit each comprising 1000 Exchangeable Assets each Exchangeable Asset representing one said widget.

The system provides liquidity and transparency to the Issuer's securities by enabling a market to place an objective value on an Instrument Set enabling arbitrageurs to create and redeem shares and bonds jointly against said value.

The system thereby stimulates market interest in the Issuer's securities enabling the Issuer to raise capital more efficiently. The system enables the Issuer to “buy back” its securities at a discount as a result of the profit margin that it builds into the widgets in accordance with its normal operations. The system enables the use of widgets to redeem its instruments thereby reducing inventory, increasing the volume of widget production and improving profit margins. The system accomplishes this without requiring the Issuer to place a relative value on its shares compared to its bonds. As discussed broadly above, aspects of the present invention may therefore include the following specific attributes, such as, apparatus and methods to redeem jointly Compound Redeemable Instruments belonging to different classes in exchange for one or more classes of equitably divisible assets, including cash or the cash value of such assets, referred to herein as Exchangeable Assets, on an ongoing basis.

In another aspect of the present invention an integrated financial system and method referred to herein as the Compound Redemption Processor to create, redeem, distribute, manage and support Compound Redeemable Instruments on an ongoing basis is provided.

In another aspect of the present invention a method to facilitate transactions between buyers and sellers of Compound Redeemable Instruments is provided.

In still another aspect of the present invention a method for reporting upon Compound Redeemable Instruments is provided.

In another aspect of the present invention Compound Redeemable Instruments with enhanced trading characteristics associated with the liquidity and transparency of redeemable Financial Instruments is provided.

In another aspect of the present invention opportunities for investment, trading, speculation, hedging and arbitrage based on the interplay in price relationships among Compound Redeemable Instruments and Exchangeable Assets is provided.

In another aspect of the present invention improved derivative instruments in the form of Compound Redeemable Instruments with more flexible payout formulations, less counterparty risk, less market impact, better liquidity, greater transparency and improved pricing efficiency compared to other derivative instruments is provided.

In another aspect of the present invention improved structured finance instruments in the form of Compound Redeemable Instruments with increased liquidity, transparency, and pricing efficiency compared to other structured finance instruments is provided.

In another aspect of the present invention improved securitizations in the form of Compound Redeemable Instruments with increased liquidity, transparency, and pricing efficiency compared to other securitizations is provided.

In another aspect of the present invention to enable Issuers to transform their securities that are not Compound Redeemable Instruments into Compound Redeemable Instruments providing improved transparency and liquidity is provided.

In another aspect of the present invention to enable operating companies such as manufacturers to increase operating efficiency by issuing or transforming outstanding securities into Compound Redeemable Instruments redeeming for Exchangeable Assets comprising assets relating to the Issuer's operations such as inventory, operating or finished goods assets is provided.

In another aspect of the present invention a data processing system to enable the distribution and trading of Compound Redeemable Instruments is provided.

In another aspect of the present invention a data processing system to convey information about Exchangeable Asset values and prices in essentially real time is provided.

In some exemplary embodiments of the present invention, Instrument Units each comprising Compound Redeemable Instruments of more than one class redeem for Asset Units each comprising Exchangeable Assets of at least one class on an ongoing basis according to a Redemption Ratio number determined by the system.

In other exemplary embodiments, Coefficient v number of Instrument Units comprise an Instrument Set and Coefficient u number of Asset Units comprise an Asset Set where v/u is the Redemption Ratio defining the fewest number of Compound Redeemable Instruments redeeming in exchange for Exchangeable Assets.

In other exemplary embodiments, the Redemption Ratio defines other than the fewest number of Compound Redeemable Instruments redeeming in exchange for Exchangeable Assets.

In other exemplary embodiments the Redemption Ratio is reduced over time by decreasing Coefficient v or increasing Coefficient u to reflect the fees and expenses of the Issuer.

In other exemplary embodiments the Issuer or another entity charges fees based on Compound Redeemable Instruments or other Issuer instruments.

In other exemplary embodiments the Issuer or another entity charges fees based on other than Compound Redeemable Instruments or other Issuer instruments.

In other exemplary embodiments the Issuer or another entity charges fees based on the terms of Compound Redeemable Instruments or other instruments.

In other exemplary embodiments the Issuer or another entity charges fees based on other than the terms of Compound Redeemable Instruments or other instruments.

In other exemplary embodiments the Issuer or another entity charges fees based on Exchangeable Assets or assets owned by the Issuer.

In other exemplary embodiments the Issuer or another entity charges fees based on other than Exchangeable Assets or assets owned by the Issuer.

In other exemplary embodiments the Issuer or another entity charges fees based on the terms of Exchangeable Assets or assets owned by the Issuer.

In other exemplary embodiments the Issuer or another entity charges fees based on other than the terms of Exchangeable Assets or assets owned by the Issuer.

In other exemplary embodiments the Issuer or another entity charges fees, such as administration or management fees.

In other exemplary embodiments the Issuer or another entity does not charge fees, such as administration or management fees.

In other exemplary embodiments the Issuer or another entity charges expenses based on Compound Redeemable Instruments or other Issuer instruments.

In other exemplary embodiments the Issuer or another entity charges expenses based on other than Compound Redeemable Instruments or other Issuer instruments.

In other exemplary embodiments the Issuer or another entity charges expenses based on Exchangeable Assets or assets owned by the Issuer.

In other exemplary embodiments the Issuer or another entity charges expenses based on other than Exchangeable Assets or assets owned by the Issuer.

In other exemplary embodiments the Issuer or another entity charges expenses based on the terms of Exchangeable Assets or assets owned by the Issuer.

In other exemplary embodiments the Issuer or another entity charges expenses based on other than the terms of Exchangeable Assets or assets owned by the Issuer.

In other exemplary embodiments the Issuer or another entity charges expenses, such as administration or management expenses.

In other exemplary embodiments the Issuer or another entity does not charge expenses, such as administration or management expenses.

In other exemplary embodiments the Redemption Ratio is increased over time by increasing Coefficient v or decreasing Coefficient u to reflect the income of the Issuer.

In other exemplary embodiments the Redemption Ratio is defined as u/v.

In other exemplary embodiments, one or more classes of Compound Redeemable Instruments specify that they are or may become Compound Redeemable Instruments in their offering documents or other documents.

In other exemplary embodiments, one or more classes of Compound Redeemable Instruments do not specify that they are or may become Compound Redeemable Instruments in their offering documents or other documents.

In other exemplary embodiments, one or more classes of Compound Redeemable Instruments specify Exchangeable Assets in their documentation.

In other exemplary embodiments, one or more classes of Compound Redeemable Instruments do not specify Exchangeable Assets in their documentation.

In other exemplary embodiments, one or more Instrument Units comprise Compound Redeemable Instruments of the same classes in the same numbers as one or more other Instrument Units.

In other exemplary embodiments, one or more Instrument Units comprise one or more Compound Redeemable Instruments from each of two different classes of Compound Redeemable Instruments.

In other exemplary embodiments, one or more Instrument Units comprise one or more Compound Redeemable Instruments from each of more than two different classes of Compound Redeemable Instruments.

In other exemplary embodiments, one or more Instrument Units comprise Compound Redeemable Instruments of one or more different classes than one or more other Instrument Units.

In other exemplary embodiments, one or more Instrument Units comprise Compound Redeemable Instruments all of different classes than one or more other Instrument Units.

In other exemplary embodiments, one or more Instrument Units comprise Compound Redeemable Instruments of the same classes in different numbers as one or more other Instrument Units.

In other exemplary embodiments, all Instrument Units comprise the same number of Compound Redeemable Instruments from the same classes as each other Instrument Unit.

In other exemplary embodiments, not all Instrument Units comprise the same number of Compound Redeemable Instruments from the same classes as each other Instrument Unit.

In other exemplary embodiments, not all Instrument Units comprise the same number of Compound Redeemable Instruments from the same classes as each other Instrument Unit.

In other exemplary embodiments, an Instrument Unit comprises Compound Redeemable Instruments of two or more classes in equal proportion to each other.

In other exemplary embodiments, an Instrument Unit comprises Compound Redeemable Instruments of two or more classes not in equal proportion to each other.

In other exemplary embodiments, Instrument Units comprise Compound Redeemable Instruments which are part of the financial structure of the Issuer.

In other exemplary embodiments, Instrument Units comprise Compound Redeemable Instruments which are not part of the financial structure of the Issuer.

In other exemplary embodiments, all Instrument Units comprise Compound Redeemable Instruments of every class in the same proportion as the financial structure of the Issuer.

In other exemplary embodiments, not all Instrument Units comprise Compound Redeemable Instruments of every class in the same proportion as the financial structure of the Issuer.

In other exemplary embodiments, one or more Asset Units comprise Exchangeable Assets of the same classes in the same numbers as one or more other Asset Units.

In other exemplary embodiments, one or more Asset Units comprise Exchangeable Assets of one or more different classes than one or more other Asset Units.

In other exemplary embodiments, one or more Asset Units comprise Exchangeable Assets all of different classes than one or more other Asset Units.

In other exemplary embodiments, one or more Asset Units comprise Exchangeable Assets of the same classes in different numbers as one or more other Asset Units.

In other exemplary embodiments, one or more classes of Compound Redeemable Instruments comprise instruments that are securities, such as stock shares, units, bonds or options.

In other exemplary embodiments, one or more classes of Compound Redeemable Instruments comprise instruments that are not securities, such as swap agreements or other business agreements.

In other exemplary embodiments, one or more classes of Compound Redeemable Instruments comprise Financial Instruments that include equity in a legal entity.

In other exemplary embodiments, one or more classes of Compound Redeemable Instruments comprise Financial Instruments that are not equity.

In other exemplary embodiments, one or more classes of Compound Redeemable Instruments comprise Financial Instruments that are preferred equity.

In other exemplary embodiments, one or more classes of Compound Redeemable Instruments comprise Financial Instruments that are not preferred equity.

In other exemplary embodiments, one or more classes of Compound Redeemable Instruments comprise Financial Instruments that are debt.

In other exemplary embodiments, one or more classes of Compound Redeemable Instruments comprise Financial Instruments that are not debt.

In other exemplary embodiments, one or more classes of Compound Redeemable Instruments comprise Financial Instruments that are hybrids.

In other exemplary embodiments, one or more classes of Compound Redeemable Instruments comprise Financial Instruments that are not hybrids.

In other exemplary embodiments, one or more classes of Compound Redeemable Instruments comprise Financial Instruments that are contracts.

In other exemplary embodiments, one or more classes of Compound Redeemable Instruments comprise Financial Instruments that are not contracts.

In other exemplary embodiments, one or more classes of Compound Redeemable Instruments comprise Financial Instruments that are futures.

In other exemplary embodiments, one or more classes of Compound Redeemable Instruments comprise Financial Instruments that are not futures.

In other exemplary embodiments, one or more classes of Compound Redeemable Instruments comprise Financial Instruments that are options.

In other exemplary embodiments, one or more classes of Compound Redeemable Instruments comprise Financial Instruments that are not options.

In other exemplary embodiments, one or more classes of Compound Redeemable Instruments comprise Financial Instruments that are rights.

In other exemplary embodiments, one or more classes of Compound Redeemable Instruments comprise Financial Instruments that are not rights.

In other exemplary embodiments, one or more classes of Compound Redeemable Instruments comprise Financial Instruments that are certificates.

In other exemplary embodiments, one or more classes of Compound Redeemable Instruments comprise Financial Instruments that are not certificates.

In other exemplary embodiments, one or more classes of Compound Redeemable Instruments comprise Financial Instruments that are receipts.

In other exemplary embodiments, one or more classes of Compound Redeemable Instruments comprise Financial Instruments that are not receipts.

In other exemplary embodiments, one or more classes of Compound Redeemable Instruments comprise Financial Instruments that are swaps.

In other exemplary embodiments, one or more classes of Compound Redeemable Instruments comprise Financial Instruments that are not swaps.

In other exemplary embodiments, one or more classes of Compound Redeemable Instruments comprise Financial Instruments that are indices.

In other exemplary embodiments, one or more classes of Compound Redeemable Instruments comprise Financial Instruments that are not indices.

In other exemplary embodiments, one or more classes of Compound Redeemable Instruments comprise Financial Instruments that are derivatives.

In other exemplary embodiments, one or more classes of Compound Redeemable Instruments comprise Financial Instruments that are not derivatives.

In other exemplary embodiments, one or more classes of Compound Redeemable Instruments comprise Financial Instruments that are membership interests.

In other exemplary embodiments, one or more classes of Compound Redeemable Instruments comprise Financial Instruments that are not membership interest.

In other exemplary embodiments, one or more classes of Compound Redeemable Instruments comprise Financial Instruments that are partnership interests.

In other exemplary embodiments, one or more classes of Compound Redeemable Instruments comprise Financial Instruments that are not partnership interests.

In other exemplary embodiments, one or more classes of Compound Redeemable Instruments comprise Financial Instruments that are units.

In other exemplary embodiments, one or more classes of Compound Redeemable Instruments comprise Financial Instruments that are not units.

In other exemplary embodiments, one or more classes of Exchangeable Assets comprise assets that are Financial Instruments.

In other exemplary embodiments, one or more classes of Exchangeable Assets comprise assets that are not Financial Instruments.

In other exemplary embodiments, one or more classes of Exchangeable Assets comprise assets that are Compound Redeemable Instruments.

In other exemplary embodiments, one or more classes of Exchangeable Assets comprise assets that are not Compound Redeemable Instruments.

In other exemplary embodiments, one or more classes of Exchangeable Assets comprise assets that are Ordinary Redeemable Instruments.

In other exemplary embodiments, one or more classes of Exchangeable Assets comprise assets that are not Ordinary Redeemable Instruments.

In other exemplary embodiments, one or more classes of Exchangeable Assets comprise assets that are Exchange Traded Funds.

In other exemplary embodiments, one or more classes of Exchangeable Assets comprise assets that are not Exchange Traded Funds.

In other exemplary embodiments, one or more classes of Exchangeable Assets comprise assets that are Exchange Traded Notes.

In other exemplary embodiments, one or more classes of Exchangeable Assets comprise assets that are not Exchange Traded Notes.

In other exemplary embodiments, one or more classes of Exchangeable Assets comprise assets that are commodities.

In other exemplary embodiments, one or more classes of Exchangeable Assets comprise assets that are not commodities.

In other exemplary embodiments, one or more classes of Exchangeable Assets comprise assets that are physical assets.

In other exemplary embodiments, one or more classes of Exchangeable Assets comprise assets that are not physical assets.

In other exemplary embodiments, one or more classes of Exchangeable Assets comprise assets that are real estate.

In other exemplary embodiments, one or more classes of Exchangeable Assets comprise assets that are not real estate.

In other exemplary embodiments, one or more classes of Exchangeable Assets comprise assets that are contracts.

In other exemplary embodiments, one or more classes of Exchangeable Assets comprise assets that are not contracts.

In other exemplary embodiments, one or more classes of Exchangeable Assets comprise assets that are portfolios.

In other exemplary embodiments, one or more classes of Exchangeable Assets comprise assets that are not portfolios.

In other exemplary embodiments, one or more classes of Exchangeable Assets comprise assets that are agreements.

In other exemplary embodiments, one or more classes of Exchangeable Assets comprise assets that are not agreements.

In other exemplary embodiments, one or more classes of Exchangeable Assets comprise assets that are mortgages.

In other exemplary embodiments, one or more classes of Exchangeable Assets comprise assets that are not mortgages.

In other exemplary embodiments, one or more classes of Exchangeable Assets comprise assets that are receivables.

In other exemplary embodiments, one or more classes of Exchangeable Assets comprise assets that are not receivables.

In other exemplary embodiments, one or more classes of Exchangeable Assets comprise assets that are inventory.

In other exemplary embodiments, one or more classes of Exchangeable Assets comprise assets that are not inventory.

In other exemplary embodiments, one or more classes of Exchangeable Assets comprise assets that are livestock.

In other exemplary embodiments, one or more classes of Exchangeable Assets comprise assets that are not livestock.

In other exemplary embodiments, one or more classes of Exchangeable Assets comprise assets that are software.

In other exemplary embodiments, one or more classes of Exchangeable Assets comprise assets that are not software.

In other exemplary embodiments, one or more classes of Exchangeable Assets comprise assets that are information.

In other exemplary embodiments, one or more classes of Exchangeable Assets comprise assets that are not information.

In other exemplary embodiments, one or more classes of Exchangeable Assets comprise assets that are real property.

In other exemplary embodiments, one or more classes of Exchangeable Assets comprise assets that are not real property.

In other exemplary embodiments, one or more classes of Exchangeable Assets comprise assets that are personal property.

In other exemplary embodiments, one or more classes of Exchangeable Assets comprise assets that are not personal property.

In other exemplary embodiments, one or more classes of Exchangeable Assets comprise assets that are tangible assets.

In other exemplary embodiments, one or more classes of Exchangeable Assets comprise assets that are not tangible assets.

In other exemplary embodiments, Compound Redeemable Instruments comprising one Instrument Set redeem in exchange for Exchangeable Assets comprising one Asset Set.

In other exemplary embodiments, Compound Redeemable Instruments comprising a positive number of Instrument Sets redeems in exchange for Exchangeable Assets comprising a positive number of Asset Sets.

In other exemplary embodiments, all Compound Redeemable Instruments in an Instrument Set redeem simultaneously.

In other exemplary embodiments, not all Compound Redeemable Instruments in an Instrument Set redeem simultaneously.

In other exemplary embodiments, Compound Redeemable Instruments in an Instrument Set do not redeem simultaneously.

In other exemplary embodiments, a Redemption Instance may occur in stages over time where all or less than all of the Compound Redeemable Instruments comprising the Instrument Set redeem in exchange for all or less than all of the Exchangeable Assets comprising the Asset Set in stages of the Redemption Instance occurring at different times.

In other exemplary embodiments, the right or responsibility to complete one or more stages of a staged Redemption Instance may be contingent upon a reference underlying, outcome event or some other contingency.

In other exemplary embodiments, the right or responsibility to complete one or more stages of a staged Redemption Instance may not be contingent upon a reference underlying, outcome event or some other contingency.

In other exemplary embodiments, the creation of Compound Redeemable Instruments may cause the creation of Exchangeable Assets being one or more Ordinary Redeemable Instruments.

In other exemplary embodiments, the redemption of Compound Redeemable Instruments may cause the redemption of Exchangeable Assets being one or more Ordinary Redeemable Instruments.

In other exemplary embodiments, Compound Redeemable Instruments of one or more classes can be redeemed through conventional means as well as through Compound Redemption.

In other exemplary embodiments, the Issuer owns Asset Sets corresponding to its outstanding Instrument Sets.

In other exemplary embodiments, the Issuer does not own Asset Sets corresponding to its outstanding Instrument Sets.

In other exemplary embodiments, one or more Compound Redeemable Instruments specify that the Issuer own Asset Sets, Exchangeable Assets or other collateral corresponding to a specified proportion of its Instrument Sets outstanding.

In other exemplary embodiments, one or more Compound Redeemable Instruments do not specify that the Issuer own Asset Sets, Exchangeable Assets or other collateral corresponding to a specified proportion of its Instrument Sets outstanding.

In other exemplary embodiments, rights or other associated entitlements held by owners of Exchangeable Assets are transferred to holders of one or more classes of Compound Redeemable Instruments.

In other exemplary embodiments, rights or other associated entitlements held by owners of Exchangeable Assets are not transferred to holders of one or more classes of Compound Redeemable Instruments.

In other exemplary embodiments, rights or other associated entitlements held by owners of Exchangeable Assets are transferred to one or more entities other than holders of one or more classes of Compound Redeemable Instruments.

In other exemplary embodiments, rights or other associated entitlements held by owners of Exchangeable Assets are not transferred to other than holders of one or more classes of Compound Redeemable Instruments.

In other exemplary embodiments, Compound Redeemable Instruments are secured by Exchangeable Assets serving as collateral.

In other exemplary embodiments, Compound Redeemable Instruments are secured by other than Exchangeable Assets serving as collateral.

In other exemplary embodiments, Compound Redeemable Interests are not secured by collateral.

In other exemplary embodiments, Compound Redeemable Instruments are secured by collateral that is managed actively by the Issuer or a third party.

In other exemplary embodiments, Compound Redeemable Instruments are secured by collateral that is managed passively by the Issuer or a third party.

In other exemplary embodiments, Compound Redeemable Instruments are secured by collateral that is not managed by the Issuer or a third party.

In other exemplary embodiments, Compound Redemption is secured by Exchangeable Assets serving as collateral.

In other exemplary embodiments, Compound Redemption is secured by other than Exchangeable Assets serving as collateral.

In other exemplary embodiments, Compound Redemption is not secured by collateral.

In other exemplary embodiments, Compound Redemption is secured by collateral that is managed actively by the Issuer, the system proprietor or a third party.

In other exemplary embodiments, Compound Redemption is secured by collateral that is managed passively by the Issuer or a third party.

In other exemplary embodiments, Compound Redemption is secured by collateral that is not managed by the Issuer or a third party.

In other exemplary embodiments, Compound Redeemable Instruments issue in exchange for depositing Exchangeable Assets.

In other exemplary embodiments, Compound Redeemable Instruments do not issue in exchange for depositing Exchangeable Assets.

In other exemplary embodiments, Compound Redeemable Instruments issue in exchange for depositing other than Exchangeable Assets.

In other exemplary embodiments, Compound Redeemable Instruments do not issue in exchange for depositing other than Exchangeable Assets.

In other exemplary embodiments, all Compound Redeemable Instruments are issued initially as Compound Redeemable Instruments.

In other exemplary embodiments, not all Compound Redeemable Instruments are issued initially as Compound Redeemable Instruments.

In other exemplary embodiments, all Compound Redeemable Instruments are transformed that were not initially Compound Redeemable Instruments.

In other exemplary embodiments, not all Compound Redeemable Instruments are transformed Financial Instruments that were not initially Compound Redeemable Instruments.

In other exemplary embodiments, one or more classes of Compound Redeemable Instruments are derivative instruments including terms selected from a broad universe of terms incorporating virtually any payoff formulation and reference underlying either singly or in combination that may or may not be possible to buy, hold, sell or otherwise invest in either directly or indirectly.

In other exemplary embodiments, one or more classes of Compound Redeemable Instruments are derivative instruments that reference Exchangeable Assets in their payout terms.

In other exemplary embodiments, one or more classes of Compound Redeemable Instruments are derivative instruments that do not reference Exchangeable Assets in their payout terms.

In other exemplary embodiments, one or more classes of Compound Redeemable Instruments are not derivative instruments.

In other exemplary embodiments, Compound Redeemable Instruments issue from a U.S. based Issuer.

In other exemplary embodiments, Compound Redeemable Instruments issue from a non-U.S. based Issuer.

In other exemplary embodiments, Compound Redeemable Instruments issue from an Issuer that includes a trust.

In other exemplary embodiments, Compound Redeemable Instruments issue from an Issuer other than a trust.

In other exemplary embodiments, Compound Redeemable Instruments issue from an Issuer that includes a special purpose vehicle.

In other exemplary embodiments, Compound Redeemable Instruments issue from an Issuer other than a special purpose vehicle.

In other exemplary embodiments, Compound Redeemable Instruments issue from an Issuer that includes a corporation.

In other exemplary embodiments, Compound Redeemable Instruments issue from an Issuer other than a corporation.

In other exemplary embodiments, Compound Redeemable Instruments issue from a partnership.

In other exemplary embodiments, Compound Redeemable Instruments issue from other than a partnership.

In other exemplary embodiments, Compound Redeemable Instruments issue from a Real Estate Investment Trust.

In other exemplary embodiments, Compound Redeemable Instruments issue from other than a Real Estate Investment Trust.

In other exemplary embodiments, Compound Redeemable Instruments issue from an Issuer that includes a Master Limited Partnership.

In other exemplary embodiments, Compound Redeemable Instruments issue from an Issuer other than a Master Limited Partnership Trust.

In other exemplary embodiments, Compound Redeemable Instruments issue from an Issuer that includes a Grantor Trust.

In other exemplary embodiments, Compound Redeemable Instruments issue from an Issuer other than a Grantor Trust.

In other exemplary embodiments, Compound Redeemable Instruments issue from an Issuer that includes a Regulated Investment Company.

In other exemplary embodiments, Compound Redeemable Instruments issue from an Issuer that includes other than a Regulated Investment Company.

In other exemplary embodiments, Compound Redeemable Instruments issue from an Issuer that includes a pass-through entity for Federal tax purposes.

In other exemplary embodiments, Compound Redeemable Instruments issue from an Issuer other than a pass-through entity for Federal tax purposes.

In other exemplary embodiments, Compound Redeemable Instruments issue from an Issuer that includes a Registered Investment Company.

In other exemplary embodiments, Compound Redeemable Instruments issue from an Issuer other than a Registered Investment Company.

In other exemplary embodiments, Compound Redeemable Instruments issue from and Issuer that includes a federal or state sanctioned exchange.

In other exemplary embodiments, Compound Redeemable Instruments issue from an Issuer other than a federal or state sanctioned exchange.

In other exemplary embodiments, Compound Redeemable Instruments are not issued from an Issuer that includes a federal or state sanctioned exchange.

In other exemplary embodiments, Compound Redeemable Instruments are not issued from an Issuer other than a federal or state sanctioned exchange.

In other exemplary embodiments, Compound Redeemable Instruments are transferable.

In other exemplary embodiments, Compound Redeemable Instruments are privately placed.

In other exemplary embodiments, Compound Redeemable Instruments are not privately placed.

In other exemplary embodiments, Compound Redeemable Instruments are listed on a public exchange.

In other exemplary embodiments, Compound Redeemable Instruments are not listed on a public exchange.

In other exemplary embodiments, Compound Redeemable Instruments are listed on other than a public exchange.

In other exemplary embodiments, Compound Redeemable Instruments are not listed on other than a public exchange.

In other exemplary embodiments, Compound Redeemable Instruments are transferred informally.

In other exemplary embodiments, Compound Redeemable Instruments are transferred other than informally.

In other exemplary embodiments, Compound Redeemable Instruments are traded on a public exchange.

In other exemplary embodiments, Compound Redeemable Instruments are not traded on a public exchange.

In other exemplary embodiments, Compound Redeemable Instruments are traded on other than a public exchange.

In other exemplary embodiments, Compound Redeemable Instruments are not traded on other than a public exchange.

In other exemplary embodiments, Compound Redeemable Instruments are traded or not according to user instructions.

In other exemplary embodiments, Compound Redeemable Instruments are traded among qualified investors in the 144A marketplace through a facility such as the NASDAQ PORTAL Alliance System.

In other exemplary embodiments, Compound Redeemable Instruments are not traded among qualified investors in the 144A marketplace through a facility such as the NASDAQ PORTAL Alliance System.

In other exemplary embodiments, Compound Redeemable Instruments are traded other than among qualified investors in the 144A marketplace through a facility such as the NASDAQ PORTAL Alliance System.

In other exemplary embodiments, Compound Redeemable Instruments are not traded other than among qualified investors in the 144A marketplace through a facility such as the NASDAQ Portal facility.

In other exemplary embodiments, a Compound Redeemable Instrument includes a first Financial Instrument being exchanged as a redemption fee for a second Financial Instrument.

Conclusion

A number of embodiments of the present invention, have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, various methods or equipment may be used to implement the process steps described herein or to create a device according to the inventive concepts provided above and further described in the claims. In addition, various integration of components, as well as software and firmware can be implemented. Accordingly, other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for distributing assets, the method comprising the steps of: a) designating, with a computer processor, one or more specified assets for joint redemption; b) creating an investment vehicle issuer; c) defining two disparate classes of financial instruments; d) issuing jointly redeemable financial instruments for the two disparate classes of financial instruments; e) determining whether a regulating entity regulates the jointly redeemable financial instruments for the two disparate classes of financial instruments; f) if it is determined that a regulating entity regulates the jointly redeemable financial instruments for the two disparate classes of financial instruments, registering the jointly redeemable financial instruments with the regulating entity; g) jointly issuing to a purchaser said jointly redeemable financial instruments for a pre-determined quantity of the specified assets; h) receiving the specified assets based upon issuing the jointly redeemable financial instruments; i) holding the received specified assets until occurrence of a joint redemption of the jointly redeemable financial instruments; j) allocating, with the computer processor, the predetermined number of specified assets; k) jointly redeeming issued jointly redeemable financial instruments; and l) distributing to the purchaser the predetermined number of specified assets allocated to the joint redemption.
 2. The method of claim 2 additionally comprising the steps of: using the computer processor, calculating at multiple instances of chronological time, a current minimum number of specified assets attributable to a least number of jointly redeemable financial instruments; allocating, using the computer processor, a current minimum number of specified assets at a specific instance of time, to a least number of jointly redeemable financial instruments in a joint redemption; attributing a valuation to said least number of jointly redeemable financial instruments based on a current market valuation of said current minimum number of specified assets at a specific instance of time.
 3. The method of claim 2 additionally comprising the steps of reducing the current minimum number of specified assets at a specific instance of time by allocation of one or both of a fee and an expense.
 4. The method of claim 3 additionally comprising the step of repeating steps
 1. a)-1) at successive points in time based upon multiples of a least number of jointly redeemable financial instruments and a current minimum number of specified assets.
 5. The method of claim 1 wherein receiving specified assets and distributing specified assets may include cash equivalents.
 6. The method of claim 1 wherein the step of issuing jointly redeemable financial instruments for the two disparate classes of financial instruments is performed by an comprising one of: a fund, a trust, a partnership, a corporation, and a special purpose entity.
 7. The method of claim 1 wherein the jointly redeemable financial instruments of the issuer may include any one or more disparate classes of: equity interests, fixed income interests, hybrids, contracts, agreements, obligations, rights certificates or receipts.
 8. The method of claim 1 wherein one or more jointly redeemable financial instruments of the issuer may be traded on one or more of a public or private exchange, electronic communications network or inter-dealer market.
 9. The method of claim 1 wherein the specified assets may include any one or more of: cash, currency equivalents, physical assets and financial instruments, including Ordinary Redeemable Instruments
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the creating, registering and jointly issuing are based on one or more of: a banking, marketing, distribution, listing, trading, operating, administrative, accounting, legal, regulatory, economic, management, revenue, or cost consideration.
 11. The method of claim 2 additionally comprising the step of increasing the current minimum number of specified assets at a specific instance of time by allocation of one or more items of income. 